Investigators from University of Rochester Eye Institute and their colleague from Johns Hopkins University are presenting results of a study that has shown that in infants and children with damaged cornea, the device, called Boston Keratoprosthesis, is a good option if all other methods to improve vision have failed.
From the press release:
The study included 17 children who collectively had been through more than 100 surgical procedures, including 39 traditional cornea transplants that had failed, before the latest implant. In the new study, two of the children received another type of artificial implant that failed, while 15 received the Boston device. All 15 of those children recovered some vision, sometimes remarkably so, and none had an infection or a problem with the implant. In the seven cases where the child was 4 years old or older and could explain to some degree how much he or she could see, every child could at least see fingers held at an arm’s length, and some children improved to 20/30 vision.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary explains its FDA-approved device:
The keratoprosthesis is made of clear plastic with excellent tissue tolerance and optical properties. It consists of two parts but when fully assembled, it has the shape of a collar button. The device is inserted into a corneal graft, which is then sutured into the patient’s cloudy cornea. If the natural lens is in place, it is also removed. Finally, your physician may recommend that a soft contact lens may be applied to the surface.
The keratoprosthesis is made of clear plastic with excellent tissue tolerance and optical properties. It consists of two parts but when fully assembled, it has the shape of a collar button. The device is inserted into a corneal graft, which is then sutured into the patient’s cloudy cornea. If the natural lens is in place, it is also removed. Finally, your physician may recommend that a soft contact lens may be applied to the surface.