Keratoprosthesis: Current Choices and Future Development

Keratoprosthesis (KPro) is the last resort for corneal blindness. Boston KPro I and osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) have the most favorable outcomes for their respective indications. Recently, better outcomes have been achieved for these 2 devices mainly because of improvements in postoperative care and modifications in complication management through years of experience and research. Unfortunately, some patients cannot benefit from these KPros due to lack of access to devices, trained surgeons, or both. Boston KPro I is heading toward a more affordable variation particularly for patients in developing countries. In addition, more patients with severely compromised ocular surface will be candidates for Boston KPro II variants. Biosynthetic or synthetic OOKP analogues will make the operation less complex and suitable for patients without canine tooth.