Kolkata, July 23 - A synthetic implant developed as a substitute for lost natural eye ball by scientists at the Central Glass and Ceramic Research institute (CGCRI) here is being marketed in South Asia and European countries, an official said Thursday.

'This integrated orbital implant is 70 percent to 75 percent porous with pore sizes ranging from 100 to 300 microns providing for vascularisation. As a result, within six months of surgery, tissues and blood vessels encompass it and thus enable good movement,' said CGCRI head of bio-ceramics and coatings division D. Basu Thursday.

Marketed by IFGL Bio Ceramics, the hydroxyapatite-based orbital implant has no side effects and the socket remains 'very healthy' even after years.

'It's a lifelong implant with no side effects,' said IFGL Bio Ceramics director G. Banerjee on the sidelines of a discussion on such implants.

IFGL company secretary Rajesh Agarwal said there were 7.