A new alloplastic material for ophthalmic surgery.

The application of Proplast in ocular surgery is in an early stage. We believe our preliminary work may offer a solution to the problem of erosion and slippage common to other types of implants. We are currently investigating the potential of Proplast in keratoprosthesis. Proplast may prove useful in buckles and implants for retina detachment as well as stabilizing splints for blow-out fractures. Proplast is an inert, carbon and Teflon alloplast, not previously described in the ophthalmic literature. Corneal and scleral implants in rabbits are well tolerated. Proplast is porous and microscopic examination of the implants show fibrovascular ingrowth within its matrix, thereby incorporating it into the host tissue. The rate at which the implant is incorporated by host tissue ingrowth and the long-term acceptance of the alloplast have yet to be determined.