Abstract
AbstractResearch into keratoprosthessis(KPro) is at least 200 years old. In the early days, when corneal pathology was recognised as a specific cause for blindness, its treatment involved a replacement of the diseased cornea with artificial materials. Afterwards cadaveric corneal transplantation has proven to be more successful than prosthetic corneal substitutes. However, the need for keratoprostheses is still present. Scores of KPro devices have been proposed and many biomaterials have been investigated. Only 2 devices, the osteo‐odonto‐keratoprosthesis (OOKP) and Boston type1 KPro, have proven to be viable in the longer term although complications do occur. A true artificial cornea in form and function is still a fantasy and may not be clinically feasible. Since corneal involvement can be secondary to ocular surface disease, a universal KPro that cures every type of corneal blindness may not be a pragmatic solution. Development of biomaterials may be tailored towards KPros designed specifically for different ocular pathology rather than towards a ‘one size fit for all’ device. Translation of laboratory work into clinical practice for KPro development will require better concordance between clinicians and scientists.
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