Keratoprostheses (artificial cornea)

What are keratoprostheses (artificial cornea)?

Keratoprostheses is a surgical treatment where an artificial cornea is inserted to replace a damaged or diseased cornea, which has led to corneal blindness. It is usually required in cases where traditional corneal transplantation has failed because the ocular environment is too hostile for a corneal graft to survive. 

What are keratoprostheses made from?

Keratoprostheses are made from clear plastic, and have excellent tissue tolerance and optical properties. They can differ in size and shape, and can even be implanted using different techniques, depending on which eye clinic and opthalmologist you visit.

What are the different types of implant techniques for keratoprostheses?

In the UK, there are currently three types of keratoprostheses devices that are used in clinical practice:

• Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 (Boston KPro I) - the most widely used artificial cornea 
• KeraKlear Artificial Cornea KPro (Keramed)
• Legeais BioKPro-III (FCI Ophthalmics)

Why is the procedure performed?

Keratoprosthesis is performed to restore vision in patients who suffer from damaged cornea because of birth defects, infections, injuries and burns.