Term: Ocular Implant

Category: Medical Device

Definition: An ocular implant is a biocompatible device designed for implantation in the eye to treat disease, restore vision, or replace damaged tissue. Ocular implants include intraocular lenses (IOLs) for cataract surgery; drug-eluting ocular implants for chronic conditions (i.e., glaucoma, macular degeneration); and prosthetic ocular devices (e.g., a scleral shell) that help support ocular tissue and improve vision.

The most frequently used materials include hydrogels, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), biodegradable polymers, and medical-grade silicone. Additionally, some ocular implants have a sustained-release coating for drug delivery and contain anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial properties. Many ocular Implants also utilize optical enhancements to provide better visual results.

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