Experience with keratoprosthesis at a tertiary eye care center: A report from North-East India

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the preservation of visual acuity (VA) and the development of complications after keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation (Boston KPro and Auro KPro) over a long follow-up period at a tertiary eye center in North-East India. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center retrospective case series. The records of all patients who underwent KPro implantation between March 2013 and August 2017 were analyzed. The preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, its management, and retention rates were reviewed. Results: Ten cases were included in the study. Preoperative VA ranged from counting finger close to face to hand movement close to face. The cause for KPro implantation included multiple graft failures (5 eyes, 50%), chemical injury (3 eyes, 30%), and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (2 eyes, 20%). Mean follow-up duration was 26.9 months (range, 12–54 months). At 1-month follow-up, eight patients had a vision ≥6/60 (80%). At 1-year follow-up, eight patients had a VA ≥6/24. Glaucoma was newly diagnosed in three eyes (30%); progression was noted in one eye (10%). Glaucoma drainage device was implanted in one eye (10%). Retroprosthetic membrane formed in seven eyes (70%) and one eye (10%) underwent KPro replacement. The initial KPro was retained in nine eyes (90%). Conclusions: KPro is an effective and a viable option for treating end-stage corneal diseases for salvaging vision. A significant number of patients lose vision following KPro implantation due to glaucoma and corneal melts. Our study reiterates the importance of regular and long-term follow-up and a comprehensive team approach for management of postoperative complications.