The Usage of a Conjunctival Flap to Improve Retention of Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis in Severe Ocular Surface Disease

Abstract

Purpose: The Boston keratoprostheses type 1 devices (KPro) are utilized in cases unfavorable to penetrating keratoplasty. The prognosis remains guarded in cases of ocular surface disease due to risk of tissue necrosis. We describe a novel surgical approach using a conjunctival flap with a delayed opening to improve retention.

Methods: In three patients with advanced cicatrizing conjunctivitis, a Type 1 keratoprosthesis was stabilized using a full tarsal conjunctival flap. Three months postoperatively, an opening was created in the flap overlying the optical portion of the device.

Results: All patients had no device related complications over a mean follow-up period of 17.7 months (range 15-21 months) and vision remained excellent at better than 20/200 for all patients.

Conclusions: Utilization of a tarsal flap either primarily as part of a two stage modified technique or secondarily in cases of tissue necrosis and impending device extrusion might maximize retention of the type 1 KPro.

Keywords:

• Artificial cornea
• complications
• keratoprosthesis
• surgical technique

Declaration of interest

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