Keratoprosthesis

The surgery is performed to restore vision in patients with severely damaged cornea due to congenital birth defects, infections, injuries and burns.

[2][3][4] Although many keratoprostheses have been developed, only four models are currently in commercial use: the Boston keratoprosthesis, osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), AlphaCor and the KeraKlear artificial cornea.

The doctor may also perform physical and lab examinations, such as an X-ray, an EKG, a slit lamp test, an ultrasound B-scan, or an A-scan.

Depending on the type of keratoprosthesis used, the surgery may involve a full thickness replacement of the cornea or the placement of an intralamellar implant.

The Alphacor is then inserted into the corneal pocket to allow for bio-integration after several months, a second procedure is used to remove part of the anterior cornea to allow light to reach the retina.

Typically, there is a follow-up session few days after surgery, when patients' complaints are addressed and modifications are made, if needed.

[1] The primary purpose of keratoprosthesis is to improve vision in patients with complex ocular diseases who are at high risk for donor graft failure.

After an impressive success record with keratoprosthesis in adults, the procedure is used to treat young patients with severe ocular deformities.