Boston type I keratoprosthesis: Review

• Main Authors: Fernanda Pedreira Magalhães, Luciene Barbosa de Sousa, Lauro Augusto de Oliveira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Conselho Brasileiro de Oftalmologia
• Series: Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia
• Subjects: Cornea; Corneal diseases; Prostheses and implants; Corneal transplantation; Prosthesis design
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-27492012000300016&lng=en&tlng=en

Regardless of significant progress in the field of corneal transplantation to treat corneal opacification, some cases of corneal blindness still present a poor prognosis for conventional penetrating keratoplasty. In patients with repeated graft failure and/or with severe ocular surface disease, the Boston type I keratoprosthesis (type I BKPro) has become a viable option. Modifications in its design and postoperative management have improved the long-term outcomes of visual acuity, retention, and postoperative infection rates. These advances made the type I BKPro be considered a safe alternative for visual rehabilitation in many patients with corneal pathologies. However, postoperative handle of chronic comorbidities, such as glaucoma, is still critical for preserving the visual gains achieved with BKPro.