An innovative intrastromal keratoprosthesis surgery assisted by femtosecond laser

PURPOSE:

To demonstrate the surgical application of a new model of epidescemetic keratoprosthesis.

METHODS:

A 53-year-old man was referred to our center with severe alkali burns in both eyes and was treated by a combined corneal graft associated with KeraKlear implantation assisted by femtosecond laser and cataract surgery with implantation of an intraocular lens.

RESULTS:

After 1 month, visual acuity was 0.6 logMAR in both eyes with -2 sphere correction. Slit-lamp examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed that the device was centered in the pupil area with no infection. No sign of extrusion was detected.

CONCLUSIONS:

The advantage of this device is that it involves nonperforating surgery, thus reducing the postoperative risk of infection and necrosis of tissue around the prosthesis. Large-scale studies with a long follow-up period are required to evaluate the outcome of use of this device