University of Iowa Health Care

Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

EyeRounds.org

Boston Keratoprosthesis Type 1

Contributor: Matthew S. Ward, MD

The Boston keratoprosthesis was developed for patients with visual potential that have a high likelihood failure with traditional corneal transplantation. Indications include a history of multiple failed grafts, scarring conditions that cause limbal stem cell deficiency (chemical injury, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid), corneal pannus from aniridia, and others. The optic of the keratoprosthesis provides a clear window for vision, often with rapid improvement in acuity, but comes with many risks such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Video 1: Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis surgery. The patient was refracted to a visual acuity of 20/40 within the first month post-operatively.

If video fails to load, use this link:http://youtu.be/qsxL3no_yYw

last updated: 2/5/2013
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