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. 2021 Nov 18;14(11):1791-1795.
doi: 10.18240/ijo.2021.11.21. eCollection 2021.

A novel temporary keratoprosthesis technique for vitreoretinal surgery

Christos Skevas  1 , Eileen Bigdon  1 , Alexander Steinhorst  1 , Toam Katz  1 , Philipp Schindler  1 , Robert Kromer  1 , Martin Stephan Spitzer  1
Affiliations

A novel temporary keratoprosthesis technique for vitreoretinal surgery

Christos Skevas et al. Int J Ophthalmol. .

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the safety of vitreoretinal surgery when using a soft contact lens as a temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) in patients with severe corneal opacifications.

Methods: Three patients with simultaneous corneal and vitreoretinal pathology were treated with a soft contact lens that was used as a TKP to facilitate vitreoretinal surgery. The soft contact lens was fixated with sutures onto the globe so that no leakage was possible.

Results: Vitreoretinal surgery with excellent fundus view was possible in all cases. The soft contact lens allowed safe central and peripheral vitrectomy. Surgery was successful in all cases.

Conclusion: A soft contact lens properly fixated on the globe can successfully replace a TKP. This surgical procedure has several advantages like one size fits all, low costs, and easy access to the material.

Keywords: combined vitreoretinal surgery; keratoprosthesis; perforating keratoplasty; temporary keratoprosthesis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Surgical steps and echography findings
A: Insertion of Eckardt® keratoprosthesis is not possible; B: Soft contact lens is stabilized on the globe with 7-0 Vicryl sutures; C: Ultrasonography depicting a retinal detachment; D: Intraoperative visualization of the retina.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Surgical steps and echography findings
A: Ultrasonography depicting the luxated IOL; B: Diffuse corneal opacification; C: IOL extraction under the soft contact lens; D: IOL removed.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Surgical steps
A: Corneal decompensation after PKP; B: Corneal transplant removed; C: Soft contact lens is stabilized on the globe with 10-0 Nylon sutures; D: Intraoperative visualization of the retina.
Figure 4
Figure 4. The soft contact lens is placed on the globe and is fixated with sutures to minimize leakage. The visualization of the central and peripheral retina allows a safe central and peripheral vitrectomy.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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