Temporary keratoprosthesis for use during pars plana vitrectomy.

We have developed a series of temporary keratoprostheses that permit closed pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with abnormal corneas. These devices are placed into a trephined opening in the cornea, and provide a clear, stable view of the intraocular contents. Immediately after vitrectomy, the keratoprosthesis is replaced with a corneal graft. We have used this technique successfully in four eyes with opaque or severely traumatized corneas.