Abstract
Purpose: The Boston keratoprostheses type 1 devices (KPro) are utilized in cases unfavorable to penetrating keratoplasty. The prognosis remains guarded in cases of ocular surface disease due to risk of tissue necrosis. We describe a novel surgical approach using a conjunctival flap with a delayed opening to improve retention. Methods: In three patients with advanced cicatrizing conjunctivitis, a Type 1 keratoprosthesis was stabilized using a full tarsal conjunctival flap. Three months postoperatively, an opening was created in the flap overlying the optical portion of the device. Results: All patients had no device related complications over a mean follow-up period of 17.7 months (range 15-21 months) and vision remained excellent at better than 20/200 for all patients. Conclusions: Utilization of a tarsal flap either primarily as part of a two stage modified technique or secondarily in cases of tissue necrosis and impending device extrusion might maximize retention of the type 1 KPro.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 555-560 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Ocular Immunology and Inflammation |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2 Sep 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Artificial cornea
- complications
- keratoprosthesis
- surgical technique