Bioactive glass and glass-ceramic orbital implants

This review focuses on the applications of bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics in the field of orbital implants for ocular surgery. This use is relatively novel and less popular compared to the applications in orthopedics and dentistry for the repair of bone and teeth. Recent studies have shown the suitability of bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics in contact with soft tissues for promoting additional effects associated to the release of therapeutic inorganic ions. Specifically, the angiogenic and antibacterial actions that may be elicited by selected glass compositions are highly appealing for the development of new-generation orbital implants, since improved vascularization and antiseptic properties are the key for a higher success rate of anophthalmic socket procedures. An overall picture of existing orbital implants based on bioactive glasses is here provided, and the further potential and open challenges for future research in this field are highlighted and discussed.