Keratoprosthesis II. Results obtained after implantation of 27 dismountable two‐piece prostheses A retrospective, follow‐up study

Abstract

During the years 1974-1987 a total of 27 two-piece keratoprostheses were implanted in 25 eyes of 22 different patients with bilateral blinding anterior segment disease with no possibility for a successful corneal transplantation. The prosthesis design and the surgical procedures used are described. The healing in and fixation of the prostheses were initially good in all cases, but 9 prostheses were lost or removed because of complications during the postoperative period of observation. The prosthesis retention time was significantly longer than that earlier achieved by the use of a one-piece prosthesis. In 18 of 27 cases a visual acuity of 6/60 or better was obtained. Postoperative complications included necrosis of the tissues covering and supporting the prosthesis, infection around the prosthesis, overgrowth of the surrounding tissues and the development of dense retroprosthetic membranes. Despite the obvious risks, keratoprosthesis surgery in a small number of patients with severe corneal disease represents the only potential hope for a visual rehabilitation, and should therefore be considered.