Indications
In some eyes, a traditional corneal transplant has an extremely low success rate. In these cases, an artificial corneal transplant can often be performed. There are several types of artificial corneal transplants. The Boston keratoprosthesis is the most common one used at Wills Eye Hospital.
Procedure
The Boston keratoprosthesis has a plastic center attached to a human donor cornea, which is sutured into the patient’s eye. Advantages include no graft rejection and often excellent vision. Disadvantages include a relatively short track record, need to use antibiotic drops and a soft contact lens for life and worsening glaucoma. Boston keratoprosthesis surgery is performed using local or general anesthesia in the operating room.