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Calcific band keratopathy on a keratoprosthesis
1Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York, New York 10032.
Cornea
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Calcific band keratopathy, a rare condition, developed on a keratoprosthesis in a patient with a history of severe eye injury and glaucoma. This first-of-its-kind case suggests multiple factors contribute to calcific deposits on artificial corneas.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- A patient with a history of severe bilateral lye burns underwent placement of a nut-and-bolt keratoprosthesis in the right eye.
- The patient also required extensive surgical and medical management for secondary glaucoma over 17 years.
Observation:
- Seventeen years post-implantation, the patient developed white, flaky deposits on the keratoprosthesis surface.
- These deposits formed in a pattern characteristic of band keratopathy.
Findings:
- Pathological examination confirmed the deposits to be calcific in nature.
- This represents the first reported instance of calcific band keratopathy occurring on a keratoprosthesis.
Implications:
- The findings challenge existing theories on calcific deposition in the cornea and on contact lenses.
- Multiple contributing factors are likely involved in calcific deposition on keratoprostheses.
- This case highlights the need to re-evaluate the pathophysiology of calcific band keratopathy in the context of artificial corneal devices.