Clinical results of implantation of the Chirila keratoprosthesis in rabbits.

Aims/background: An ideal keratoprosthesis (KPro) would closely resemble a donor corneal button in terms of its surgical handling, optics, and capacity to heal with host tissue in order to avoid many of the complications associated with the KPros which are currently in clinical use. This study was carried out to assess the long term clinical outcomes on implantation of the core and skirt poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) KPro in animals.

Methods: 20 KPros were made and implanted as full thickness corneal replacements into rabbits and followed for up to 21 months to date.

Results: 80% of the prostheses have been retained, with a low incidence of complications such as cataract, glaucoma, and retroprosthetic membrane formation which are frequently associated with KPro surgery.

Conclusions: KPros of this type may offer promise in the treatment of patients for whom penetrating keratoplasty with donor material carries a poor prognosis. Refinement of the KPro and further animal trials, including implantation into abnormal corneas, are however mandatory before human implantation could be planned.