Objective

To review the published literature on safety and outcomes of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BI-KPro) for the surgical treatment of corneal opacification not amenable to human corneal transplantation.

Methods

Searches of peer-reviewed literature were conducted in PubMed.

Results

A best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCSVA) of 20/200 or better occurred in 45% to 89% of eyes. Retention rates of the BI-KPro ranged from 65% to 100%. Reasons for loss of vision after BI-KPro implantation most commonly included corneal melts resulting from exposure keratopathy, endophthalmitis, and infectious keratitis or corneal ulceration. The 2 most common complications after surgery were retroprosthetic membrane and elevated intraocular pressure The 2 most common posterior segment complications were endophthalmitis (range, 0%–12.5%; mean ± SD, 4.6±4.6%) and vitritis (range, 0%–14.5%; mean ± SD, 5.6±4.7%).

Conclusions

The reviewed articles on BI-KPro use suggest that the device improves vision in cases of severe corneal opacification that were not amenable to corneal transplantation using human cadaveric keratoplasty techniques. A number of severe anterior and posterior segment complications can develop as follow-up continues, making ongoing close observation paramount for patients undergoing this surgery. These complications include infection, device extrusion, and permanent vision loss.

Conference Title

international conference of the Palestinian ophthalmic society

Conference Country

Palestine

Conference Date

April 26, 2017 - Feb. 28, 2017

Conference Sponsor

Palestinian ophthalmic society

Additional Info

Conference Website