A novel temporary keratoprosthesis technique for vitreoetinal surgery

Author: Christos Skevas (Germany)

Co-authors: Spitzer Martin, Schindler Phillip

Purpose

Purpose of this work is to introduce a novel method of using a soft contact lens as a temporary keratoprothesis.

Setting/Venue

Vitreoretinal surgery in patients with severe corneal opacification can be very challenging. A temporary keratoprosthesis (KP) can be used as an intraoperative bridge between anterior and posterior segment procedures. However, they are only available in certain sizes and may not be immediately at hand when needed.

Methods

Three patients with simultaneous corneal and vitreoretinal pathology were treated with a soft contact lens that was used as a temporary keratoprosthesis in order to facilitate vitreoretinal surgery. The soft contact lens was fixated with sutures onto the globe so that no leakage was possible.

Results

Vitreoretinal surgery with excellent fundus view was possible in all cases. The soft contact lens allowed safe central and peripheral vitrectomy. Surgery was successful in all cases.

Conlusions

A soft contact lens properly fixated on the globe can successfully replace a temporary keratoprosthesis. This surgical procedure has several advantages like one size fits all, low costs and easy access to the material

Financial Disclosure

no financial relations