Design and Outcomes of a Novel Keratoprosthesis: Addressing Unmet Needs in End-Stage Cicatricial Corneal Blindness.

Purpose: The most commonly applied prosthetic devices for corneal blindness in the setting of severe cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis are the Boston keratoprosthesis type II and the modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, with these requiring either normal eyelid skin or a healthy cuspid tooth, respectively. For patients with neither attribute, we developed a new keratoprosthesis device combining positive aspects of both Boston keratoprosthesis type II and modified osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis, which we have named the "Lux."

Methods: Short-term postoperative outcomes for the Lux keratoprosthesis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), device retention, and complications, were examined in a retrospective case series of 9 eyes of 9 patients implanted at 4 centers.

Lucia and Beyond: Development of an Affordable Keratoprosthesis.

Purpose: Severe corneal disease contributes significantly to the global burden of blindness. Corneal allograft surgery remains the most commonly used treatment, but does not succeed long term in every patient, and the odds of success fall with each repeated graft. The Boston keratoprosthesis type I has emerged as an alternative to repeat corneal allograft.

A novel murine model for keratoprosthesis.

Purpose: To establish a murine model for keratoprosthesis.

Methods: A miniature keratoprosthesis (m-KPro) device was created consisting of a poly[methyl methacrylate] front part and a titanium back plate, designed after the Boston KPro, which is in widespread clinical use. BALB/c mice were used and a 2 mm in diameter donor cornea was punched out.