Corneal Melt after Boston Keratoprosthesis: Clinical Presentation, Management, Outcomes and Risk Factor Analysis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of keratolysis after Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B-KPro).

Methods: Retrospective chart review.

Results: A total of 16 (14%) of the 110 eyes (96 patients) which underwent B-KPro implantation developed keratolysis at an average 20 ± 11 months. Retroprosthetic membrane (RPM), infectious keratitis, and corneal dellen were identified in 31%, 25%, and 13% of corneal melts, respectively. Five eyes had keratolysis without a readily identifiable cause. RPM (odds-ratio, OR = 4.4, p = 0.02) and infectious keratitis (OR = 17.6, p<0.0005) were confirmed as significant risk factors. Retinal detachment (p = 0.001) and choroidal detachment (p = 0.003) were more common in eyes with keratolysis. Management included B-KPro removal or exchange (n = 7), amniotic membrane transplantation (n = 1), tectonic corneal transplantation (n = 2), medical treatment (n = 4), and observation (n = 2).

Conclusions: The risk of keratolysis following B-Kpro increases with the development of RPM and infectious keratitis. Patients with keratolysis had higher complication rates and should receive rigorous monitoring.

Keywords:

• Corneal melting
• keratoprosthesis
• matrix metalloproteinases
• retroprosthetic membrane
• sterile keratolysis

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.