[Current treatment options with artificial corneas: Boston Kpro, Osteo-odontokeratoprosthesis, Miro Cornea® and KeraKlear®].

BACKGROUND

Although corneal transplant surgery in avascular normal risk eyes is becoming even more minimally invasive and successful, treatment options for difficult to treat patients with high risk eyes are still limited. In these cases HLA typed allogeneic transplants and artificial corneas (keratoprostheses) can be used.

METHODS

This article combines a review of the literature in PubMed and own clinical experiences on the use of artificial corneas in high risk eyes. Osteo-odontokeratoprosthesis (OOKP), Boston Kpro, Miro Cornea® and KeraKlear® corneas were used as clinical keratoprostheses.

RESULTS

Worldwide, the most experience exists for the use of Boston Kpro and OOKP in high risk eyes. Miro Cornea® and KeraKlear® are new procedures where only preliminary results are available and further evaluation is necessary. The longest experience and best anatomical long-term results have been achieved with OOKPs. Comparable cohorts are available for the Boston Kpro. The function of all keratoprostheses is threatened by secondary glaucoma. Implantation of the KeraKlear® prosthesis remains difficult. The Miro Cornea® shows an initially stable integration behavior.

CONCLUSION

Keratoprostheses, such as the Boston Kpro and OOKP are valid treatment options for eyes which are not open to therapy with allogeneic corneal transplantation. Modern implants such as KeraKlear® prosthesis and Miro Cornea® need further prospective clinical evaluation.