Systems and methods for corneal transplantation

Abstract

To provide systems and methods for corneal transplants.SOLUTION: A corneal implant comprises donor corneal tissue extracted from a donor cornea. The donor corneal tissue has an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The donor corneal tissue includes an interior channel formed at a depth below the anterior surface. The channel has a channel shape. The corneal implant also comprises a supporting structure formed from non-tissue material and positioned in the channel. The supporting structure has a supporting-structure shape, and provides a support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 515,528, filed June 5, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] background Field The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for treating ocular disorders, and more particularly to systems and methods for transplanting the cornea to treat such disorders. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art Various disorders of the eye can result from diseased / damaged corneal tissue, which can affect vision by scattering and / or distorting light and causing glare and / or blurred vision. In some cases, proper vision can only be restored by a corneal transplant, which replaces the diseased / damaged corneal tissue with healthy tissue from an organ donor. For example, treatment of keratoconus (a degenerative disorder that causes corneal weakness and abnormal shape) may ultimately require corneal transplant surgery. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Abstract The systems and methods of the present disclosure use corneal transplantation to treat eyes with diseased / damaged corneal tissue. Corneal transplantation procedures may involve suturing a graft of healthy corneal tissue to a recipient cornea. However, the suturing and other aspects of the transplantation procedure may cause undesirable deformation of the corneal transplant and the recipient cornea. Such deformation may cause refractive errors. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a support structure may be embedded into the corneal transplant to enhance the stability of the corneal transplant and the recipient cornea and reduce the probability of undesirable deformation when the corneal transplant is sutured to the recipient cornea.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a corneal implant includes donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the donor corneal tissue including an inner channel formed at a depth below the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape, the corneal implant includes a support structure formed from a non-tissue material and disposed in the channel, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method of producing a corneal implant includes providing donor corneal tissue from a donor cornea. The donor corneal tissue has an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The method includes forming an internal channel in the corneal tissue at a depth below the anterior surface. The channel has a channel shape. The method includes placing a support structure formed from a non-tissue material into the channel of the donor corneal tissue. The support structure has a support structure shape and provides support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, a method for transplanting a corneal implant includes providing a corneal implant. The corneal implant includes donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea. The corneal tissue has an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The corneal tissue includes an inner channel formed in the donor corneal tissue at a depth below the anterior surface. The channel has a channel shape. The corneal implant includes a support structure formed from a non-tissue material and disposed in the channel. The support structure has a support structure shape and provides support to withstand deformation of the donor corneal tissue. The method includes removing undesired corneal tissue from a recipient cornea and forming a cavity in the recipient cornea in response. The method includes placing a corneal implant in the cavity. The method includes connecting the corneal implant to the recipient cornea with sutures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A illustrates a recipient eye with diseased / damaged corneal tissue.

[0009] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates the removal of diseased / damaged corneal tissue from the recipient eye of FIG. 1A.

[0010] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C illustrates the step of placing a corneal implant on a recipient eye after the diseased / damaged corneal tissue has been removed from the recipient eye as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

[0011] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D illustrates the step of suturing the corneal implant to the recipient eye after it has been positioned relative to the recipient eye as illustrated in FIG. 1C.

[0012] [Figure 2A]FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary suture pattern for a corneal implant.

[0013] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates another exemplary suture pattern for a corneal implant.

[0014] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary corneal implant including donor corneal tissue and supporting structures according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary approach for placing a support structure on the donor corneal tissue of FIG. 3A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates an assembled view of the exemplary corneal implant of FIG. 3A, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates a step of placing an exemplary corneal implant on a recipient eye after diseased / damaged corneal tissue has been removed from the recipient eye, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates a step of suturing an exemplary corneal implant in a recipient eye after the corneal implant has been positioned relative to the recipient eye as illustrated in FIG. 4A, according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed Description Various disorders of the eye can result from diseased / damaged corneal tissue, which can scatter and / or distort light and affect vision by glare and / or blurred vision. In some cases, proper vision can only be restored by a corneal transplant, which replaces the diseased / damaged corneal tissue with healthy tissue from an organ donor.

[0020] 1A-D illustrate perspective views of an exemplary transplantation procedure in which a corneal implant 100 from a donor cornea is introduced into an eye 10. As shown in FIG. 1A, the eye 10 includes a cornea 12 having diseased / damaged corneal tissue 14. Treatment of the eye 10 via corneal transplantation includes surgical removal of the diseased / damaged corneal tissue 14 from the eye 10 as shown in FIG. 1B. Removal of the diseased / damaged corneal tissue 14 accordingly creates a cavity 16 in the cornea 12. As FIG. 1C shows, the cavity 16 provides a platform in the cornea 12 to receive the corneal implant 100. In some cases, the cavity 16 may be further shaped with a cutting instrument (e.g., a laser) to fit the size and shape of the corneal implant 100. Alternatively or additionally, the corneal implant 100 may be further shaped with a cutting instrument (e.g., a laser) to fit the size and shape of the cavity 16. As shown in Figure ID, the corneal implant 100 is received into the cavity 16 and connected to the recipient cornea 12 with one or more sutures 18, such as thin nylon sutures. Once the recipient cornea 12 has healed and fully accepted the corneal implant 100, the sutures 18 may be removed.

[0021] 2A-B illustrate top views of exemplary patterns 20a,b of sutures 18 that hold a corneal implant 100 in place for transplantation. However, other implementations are not limited to the exemplary suture patterns 20a,b shown in FIG. 2A-B. In exemplary pattern 20a, a series of individual sutures 18 are arranged along the circumference of the corneal implant 100, where each individual suture 18 passes through the recipient cornea 12 and the corneal implant 100 to connect the corneal implant 100 to the recipient cornea 12. In exemplary pattern 20b, one or more sutures 18 each pass through the recipient cornea 12 and the corneal implant 100 in alternating fashion along the circumference of the corneal implant 100, creating a zigzag pattern between the recipient cornea 12 and the corneal implant 100. If multiple sutures 18 are used, the sutures 18 may form multiple overlapping zigzag patterns.

[0022] Because the recipient cornea 12 and the corneal implant 100 are bodies of soft tissue, the force and / or torque applied by the sutures 18 may distort the shape of the corneal implant 100 and the recipient cornea 12. In some cases, other aspects of the transplant procedure may contribute to the deformation. Such deformation may result in aberrations or other abnormal shapes that affect vision by scattering and / or distorting light traveling through the recipient cornea 12. Patients may require contact lenses or glasses after a corneal transplant to correct refractive errors caused by such deformations.

[0023] To reduce or minimize undesirable deformation of the corneal implant and its recipient cornea 12, a support structure may be embedded within the corneal implant so that the corneal implant can withstand the forces and / or torque applied by the sutures 18 and more effectively maintain its desired shape. Although the support structure is embedded within the corneal implant, the support structure may also support the structure of the recipient cornea 12. Generally, the support structure enhances the stability of the corneal implant and its recipient cornea and reduces the probability of refractive errors after the corneal implant is transplanted into the recipient cornea 12.

[0024] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary corneal implant 200. The corneal implant 200 includes corneal tissue 202 excised from a donor cornea. The donor corneal tissue 202 may be sized and shaped with a cutting instrument (e.g., a laser) for transplantation into a recipient cornea. The donor corneal tissue 202 has an anterior surface 202a and a posterior surface 202b. As shown in FIG. 3A, the donor corneal tissue 202 may have a substantially circular border defined by an edge 202c extending between the anterior surface 202a and the posterior surface 202c. For example, the substantially circular border of the donor corneal tissue 202 may be approximately 8 mm in diameter. However, in other embodiments, the donor corneal tissue 202 may have a border of another shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, or the like.

[0025] A narrow inner channel 204 (i.e., a closed path) is formed in the donor corneal tissue 202 below the anterior surface 202a. According to one approach, a femtosecond laser can be focused at a depth below the anterior surface 202a to cut the channel 204 through the donor corneal tissue 202. The channel 204 can have a substantially annular shape (i.e., shaped as a thin ring), for example, as shown in FIG. 3A. Furthermore, the channel 204 can be centered relative to the anterior surface 202a of the donor corneal tissue 202.

[0026] The corneal implant 200 also includes a support structure 206. The support structure 206 may be formed from a non-tissue material. For example, in some embodiments, the support structure 206 may be formed from a plastic. In other embodiments, the support structure 206 may be formed from a nickel-titanium alloy (also known as Nitinol). Like the channel 204, the support structure 206 may be substantially annular in shape, i.e., shaped as a thin ring. For example, the support structure 206 may be approximately 3 mm in diameter. As shown in FIG. 3A, the support structure 206 may be defined by a narrow piece of material having two ends 206a,b, where the piece of material is curved such that the two ends 206a,b meet on a circle. In this manner, the annular shape of the support structure 206 has a small crack between the two ends 206a,b.

[0027] 3B illustrates an exemplary approach for placing the support structure 206 into the channel 204. A small incision 208 can be made in the corneal tissue 202 to provide access to the channel 204 from the anterior surface 202a. An end 206a (or alternatively end 206b) of the support structure 206 can be introduced into the small incision 208, and the support structure 206 can be guided (i.e., fed) through the small incision 208 and into the channel 204. The support structure 206 is sufficiently flexible to be manipulated in the manner shown in FIG. 3B.

[0028] 3C illustrates an assembled view of an exemplary corneal implant 200. In particular, the support structure 206 is disposed in the channel 204. Formed from plastic, nickel titanium alloy, or the like, the support structure 206 provides sufficient rigidity to support the donor corneal tissue 202 and resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue 202. Generally, the support structure 206 is stiffer than the donor corneal tissue 202, yet provides sufficient flexibility for use in the eye 10.

[0029] As described above, the channel 204 and the support structure 206 have a corresponding annular shape such that the support structure 206 may be disposed in the channel 204. However, in some implementations, the channel 204 may have a smaller diameter than the support structure 206. For example, if the support structure 206 is 3 mm in diameter, the channel 204 may be slightly smaller than 3 mm in diameter. In this manner, when the support structure 206 is received by the channel 204, the support structure 206 may push against the tissue around the channel 204, which may expand outward. In response, the donor corneal tissue 202 around the channel 204 applies an inward pressure on the support structure 206 to hold the support structure 206 more firmly in the channel 204.

[0030] The channel 204 and support structure 206 shown in FIGS. 3A-C may have a substantially annular shape, although other implementations may use other shapes (e.g., elliptical). Additionally, while the support structure 206 shown in FIGS. 3A-C may have a single annular structure, the support structure 206 may instead be defined by a combination of multiple substructures. For example, the support structure 206 may be defined by a combination of two semicircular structures that may be received within the channel 204 in a manner similar to a single annular structure. Additionally, while FIGS. 3A-C may illustrate an exemplary corneal implant 200 having one support structure 206 disposed in one corresponding channel 204, other embodiments may include more than one channel 204 that receives one or more respective support structures. For example, one embodiment may include more than one channel 204 arranged concentrically to receive a respective annular support structure 206. The additional support structures 206 may provide additional stability and resistance to deformation of the donor corneal tissue 202.

[0031] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1A-B, corneal transplantation involves removing diseased / damaged corneal tissue 14 from the eye 10 and forming a cavity 16 in the eye 10 accordingly. However, instead of the corneal implant 100, the corneal implant 200 may be implanted into the eye 10, where the support structure provides greater stability for the corneal implant 200 and the recipient cornea 12. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cavity 16 also provides a platform for receiving the corneal implant 200. In some cases, the cavity 16 may be further shaped with a cutting instrument (e.g., a laser) to fit the size and shape of the corneal implant 100. Alternatively or additionally, the corneal implant 100 may be further shaped with a cutting instrument (e.g., a laser) to fit the size and shape of the cavity 16.

[0032] 4B, the corneal implant 100 is placed into the cavity 16 and sutured in place with one or more sutures 18. Once received in the cavity 16, the anterior surface 202a of the donor corneal tissue 202 is aligned with the anterior surface 12a (the outwardly facing surface) of the recipient cornea 12, and the posterior surface 202b of the donor corneal tissue 202 is aligned with the posterior portion 12b (the inner portion) of the recipient cornea 12.

[0033] As described above, the donor corneal tissue 202 and thus the corneal implant 200 may have a diameter of approximately 8 mm, and the support structure 206 may have a diameter of approximately 3 mm. The support structure 206 may be disposed in a channel 204 that may be centered relative to the anterior surface 202a of the donor corneal tissue 202. Once received in the cavity 16, the corneal implant 200 may be centered on the recipient cornea 12 (which may be approximately 12 mm in diameter, for example). Thus, the approximately 3 mm support structure 206 may be centered on the recipient cornea 12. In this case, the support structure 206 provides structural support and stability, particularly for the approximately 3 mm central region that is more critical to vision.

[0034] As described above, the one or more sutures 18 may apply forces and / or torques that may distort the shape of the corneal implant 100 and the recipient cornea 12. However, the support structure 206 supports the structure of the corneal implant 100 and the recipient cornea 12 to reduce or minimize deformations caused by such forces and / or torques. Generally, the support structure 206 enhances the stability of the corneal implant 200 and the recipient cornea 12, reducing the probability of refractive errors following the transplant procedure.

[0035] The sutures 18 may be removed once the recipient cornea 12 has healed and fully accepted the corneal implant 200. In some cases, the support structure 206 may also be removed after the sutures 18 are removed.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support structure 206 may be translucent (e.g., translucent plastic) so as not to impede light entering the cornea 10 and affect the patient's vision. In other embodiments, the support structure 206 may be opaque and light absorbing (e.g., dark in color) so that light entering the cornea 10 does not reflect off the support structure 206 and create a halo or other glare in the patient's vision.

[0037] In addition to supporting the shape of the donor corneal tissue 202 and the recipient cornea 12, the support structures 206 may be configured to modify the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue 202. In other words, the donor corneal tissue 202 defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structures 206 into the channels 204, the support structures 206 modify the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue 202 to provide the desired refractive correction for the recipient cornea 10. For example, the support structures 206 may be configured to address myopia, hyperopia, and / or astigmatism in the recipient cornea 12.

[0038] Additionally, the support structure 206 may be configured to apply medication or other drugs to the donor corneal tissue 202 and / or the recipient cornea 12. In some implementations, such medication may promote healing of the recipient cornea and / or prevent infection. In other implementations, such medication may reduce the probability of rejection of the corneal implant 200. For example, invasion of new blood vessels into the cornea (also known as corneal neovascularization) may allow host immune effector lymphocytes to more easily access donor antigens and increase the probability of rejection of the implant from the donor cornea. In this manner, the support structure 206 may carry medication to treat corneal neovascularization.

[0039] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof are contemplated to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It may also be contemplated that further embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any of the embodiments described herein. For example, certain embodiments provide the following: (Item 1) A corneal implant, comprising: donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the donor corneal tissue including an inner channel formed at a depth below the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape; and a support structure formed from a non-tissue material and disposed in the channel, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the corneal tissue; corneal implants, including (Item 2) Item 2. The corneal implant of item 1, wherein the donor corneal tissue has a substantially circular boundary defined by an edge extending between the anterior surface and the posterior surface. (Item 3) 3. The corneal implant of item 2, wherein the substantially circular border of the donor corneal tissue is approximately 8 mm in diameter. (Item 4) 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the channel shape and the support structure shape are substantially circular. (Item 5) 5. The corneal implant of claim 4, wherein the support structure is approximately 3 mm in diameter. (Item 6) 5. The corneal implant of claim 4, wherein the channel shape has a smaller diameter than the support structure shape. (Item 7) 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the donor corneal tissue applies inward pressure on the support structure to hold the support structure firmly in the channel. (Item 8) 2. The corneal implant of item 1, wherein the support structure is defined by a combination of multiple substructures. (Item 9) 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed from plastic. (Item 10) Item 14. The corneal implant of item 1, wherein the support structure is formed from a nickel-titanium alloy. (Item 11) 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed from a translucent material. (Item 12) 2. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the support structure is formed from an opaque, light-absorbing material. (Item 13) The corneal transplant of item 1, wherein the donor corneal tissue defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the support structure modifies the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue to provide a desired refractive correction for the cornea receiving the corneal transplant. (Item 14) 13. The corneal implant of claim 1, further comprising a drug applied to the support structure. (Item 15) 1. A method for producing a corneal implant, the method comprising: providing donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface; forming an inner channel in the donor corneal tissue at a depth beneath the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape; and placing a support structure formed from a non-tissue material into the channel of the donor corneal tissue, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue; The method includes: (Item 16) 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising cutting the donor corneal tissue to have an edge extending between the anterior surface and the posterior surface, the edge defining a substantially circular boundary of the donor corneal tissue. (Item 17) Item 17. The method of item 16, wherein the substantially circular perimeter of the corneal tissue is approximately 8 mm in diameter. (Item 18) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the channel shape and the support structure shape are substantially annular. (Item 19) 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the support structure is approximately 3 mm in diameter. (Item 20) Item 18. The method of item 17, wherein the channel shape has a smaller diameter than the support structure shape. (Item 21) The support structure is formed from a piece of material having two edges, and the step of placing the support structure into the channel of the donor corneal tissue comprises: forming an incision providing access to the channel from the anterior surface of the donor corneal tissue; introducing one end of the support structure through the incision; and guiding the support structure through the incision and into the channel; The method according to item 15, comprising: (Item 22) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein in response to receiving the support structure into the channel, the donor corneal tissue applies inward pressure against the support structure to hold the support structure firmly in the channel. (Item 23) Item 16. The method of item 15, further comprising combining a plurality of substructures to define the support structure. (Item 24) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the support structure is formed from plastic. (Item 25) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the support structure is formed from a nickel-titanium alloy. (Item 26) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the support structure is formed from a translucent material. (Item 27) Item 16. The method of item 15, wherein the support structure is formed from an opaque light absorbing material. (Item 28) The method of claim 15, wherein the donor corneal tissue defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the support structure modifies the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue to provide a desired refractive correction for the cornea receiving the corneal implant. (Item 29) 16. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the channel in the corneal tissue comprises ablating the corneal tissue with a laser. (Item 30) 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of applying a drug to the support structure. (Item 31) 1. A method for transplanting a corneal implant, the method comprising: Providing a corneal implant, the corneal implant comprising: donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the donor corneal tissue including an inner channel formed at a depth below the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape; and a support structure formed from a non-tissue material and disposed in the channel, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue. A process comprising: removing undesired corneal tissue from the recipient cornea and correspondingly forming a cavity in the recipient cornea; placing the corneal implant into the cavity; and connecting the corneal implant to the recipient cornea with sutures; The method includes: (Item 32) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the corneal implant has a substantially circular boundary defined by an edge extending between the anterior surface and the posterior surface. (Item 33) 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the substantially circular perimeter of the corneal implant is approximately 8 mm in diameter. (Item 34) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the channel shape and the support structure shape are substantially annular. (Item 35) 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the support structure is approximately 3 mm in diameter. (Item 36) Item 35. The method of item 34, wherein the channel shape has a smaller diameter than the support structure shape. (Item 37) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein in response to receiving the support structure into the channel, the donor corneal tissue applies inward pressure on the support structure to hold the support structure firmly in the channel. (Item 38) 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the support structure is defined by a combination of a plurality of substructures. (Item 39) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the support structure is formed from plastic. (Item 40) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the support structure is formed from a nickel-titanium alloy. (Item 41) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the support structure is formed from a translucent material. (Item 42) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the support structure is formed from an opaque light absorbing material. (Item 43) Item 32. The method of item 31, wherein the donor corneal tissue defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the support structure modifies the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue to provide a desired refractive correction for the recipient eye. (Item 44) 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising removing the suture after a predetermined period of time. (Item 45) 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising removing the support structure after a predetermined period of time. (Item 46) 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the corneal implant comprises a drug applied to the supporting structure.

Claims

1. A corneal implant, comprising: donor corneal tissue excised from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the donor corneal tissue including an inner channel formed at a depth below the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape; and a support structure formed from a non-tissue material and embedded in the channel, the support structure being disposed entirely within the donor corneal tissue, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue; corneal implants, including

2. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the donor corneal tissue has a substantially circular boundary defined by an edge extending between the anterior surface and the posterior surface.

3. The corneal implant of claim 2 , wherein the substantially circular perimeter of the donor corneal tissue is approximately 8 mm in diameter.

4. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the channel shape and the support structure shape are substantially annular.

5. The corneal implant of claim 4 , wherein the support structure is approximately 3 mm in diameter.

6. The corneal implant of claim 4 , wherein the channel shape has a smaller diameter than the support structure shape.

7. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the donor corneal tissue applies inward pressure on the support structure to hold the support structure firmly in the channel.

8. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is defined by a combination of multiple substructures.

9. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed from plastic.

10. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed from a nickel-titanium alloy.

11. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed from a translucent material.

12. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is formed from an opaque, light-absorbing material.

13. The corneal implant of claim 1, wherein the donor corneal tissue defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the support structure modifies the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue to provide a desired refractive correction for the cornea receiving the corneal implant.

14. The corneal implant of claim 1 , further comprising a drug applied to the support structure.

15. 1. A method for producing a corneal implant, the method comprising: forming an inner channel in donor corneal tissue from a donor cornea, the donor corneal tissue having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the channel being formed at a depth below the anterior surface, the channel having a channel shape; and embedding a support structure formed from a non-tissue material into the channel, the support structure being disposed entirely within the donor corneal tissue, the support structure having a support structure shape and providing support to resist deformation of the donor corneal tissue; The method includes:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising cutting the donor corneal tissue to have an edge extending between the anterior surface and the posterior surface, the edge defining a substantially circular perimeter of the donor corneal tissue.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the substantially circular perimeter of the donor corneal tissue is approximately 8 mm in diameter.

18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the channel shape and the support structure shape are substantially annular.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the support structure is approximately 3 mm in diameter.

20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the channel shape has a smaller diameter than the support structure shape.

21. The support structure is formed from a piece of material having two ends, and the step of embedding the support structure into the channel in the donor corneal tissue comprises: forming an incision providing access to the channel from the anterior surface of the donor corneal tissue; introducing one end of the support structure through the incision; and Guiding the support structure through the incision and into the channel. The method of claim 15, comprising:

22. The method of claim 15, wherein in response to receiving the support structure into the channel, the donor corneal tissue applies inward pressure against the support structure to hold the support structure firmly in the channel.

23. The method of claim 15 , further comprising combining a plurality of substructures to define the support structure.

24. The method of claim 15 , wherein the support structure is formed from plastic.

25. The method of claim 15 , wherein the support structure is formed from a nickel-titanium alloy.

26. The method of claim 15 , wherein the support structure is formed from a translucent material.

27. The method of claim 15 , wherein the support structure is formed from an opaque, light-absorbing material.

28. The method of claim 15, wherein the donor corneal tissue defines a refractive profile, and upon receiving the support structure into the channel, the support structure modifies the refractive profile of the donor corneal tissue to provide a desired refractive correction for the cornea receiving the corneal implant.

29. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of applying a drug to the support structure.

30. The corneal implant of claim 1 , wherein the donor corneal tissue comprises a plurality of centrally disposed internal channels, the plurality of channels receiving one or more respective support structures.

31. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming a plurality of centrally disposed interior channels, and embedding one or more respective support structures in said plurality of channels.

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