Speaker: Nathan Gooch. Advisor: Bala Ambati, Ph.D.

Abstract:

Ocular biocompatibility of biomaterials has become a point of amplified interest due to the increased development of ocular biomedical devices in recent years. Biomedical devices have been and are currently being developed for the treatment of ocular diseases that are becoming more and more common. In the US, there are over 2 million people (~30 million worldwide) with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Glaucoma is the second leading cause of the world’s blindness with nearly 70 million cases worldwide. Additionally, three million cataract extractions are performed annually in the US. The treatment for AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts are each undergoing improvements which require the use of biomedical devices. Biomedical devices are being developed to better treat these indications. Herein the development, biocompatibility, and efficacy of two biomedical devices are assessed.