Clinical Outcomes Using Oversized Back Plates in Type I Boston Keratoprosthesis.

OBJECTIVES

To examine clinical outcomes of oversized titanium back plates in type I Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 22 sequential eyes (20 patients) undergoing type I KPro implantation with an oversized titanium back plate (larger than trephined wound diameter by 1.0 mm or more), performed by a single surgeon (K.A.C.) from June 2010 to November 2014. Data were collected regarding preoperative eye characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up time per eye was 24.1±14.9 months. All eyes had improved vision after surgery; 13 eyes (59.1%) maintained visual acuity improvement at last follow-up. Initial KPro's were retained in 19 eyes (86.4%); one eye required KPro replacement. Primary retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) developed in three eyes (13.6%), with similar occurrence in aniridic (14.3%) and nonaniridic eyes (13.3%). Secondary RPM's developed in two eyes (9.1%) after vitritis (one eye) and retinal and choroidal detachment (one eye). Glaucoma was a common comorbidity: 2 of 14 eyes (14.3%) with preoperative glaucoma had glaucoma progression, and 4 of 8 eyes (50.0%) without preoperative glaucoma developed glaucoma postoperatively. Other postoperative complications included retinal detachment (5 eyes, 22.7%) and idiopathic vitritis (3 eyes, 13.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Oversized titanium KPro back plates are associated with a low rate of primary RPM formation and may have particular utility in reducing primary RPM formation in aniridic eyes. Glaucoma remains a challenge in postoperative KPro management. Complex eyes, at increased risk of postoperative complications, require careful management.