Boston Keratoprosthesis Type 1 Surgical Technique

Key Concepts

• Success of the Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro) begins with a thorough preoperative evaluation.

• The Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis is assembled from a front plate and stem made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a corneal graft, a back plate made from either PMMA or titanium, and a locking ring in certain models.

• The host cornea is trephinated, and the assembled keratoprosthesis is sutured in place similar to the techniques used in penetrating keratoplasty.

• Additional procedures, such as lensectomy, glaucoma shunt placement, or vitrectomy, may be required at the time of surgery.

• All patients undergoing KPro implantation who have preexisting glaucoma should have a glaucoma drainage device implanted either before or at the time of KPro surgery.