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Keratoprosthesis improves vision in eyes with silicone oil-induced keratopathy
Cornea. 2011;30(10):1083-1087
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A corneal implant facilitated visual rehabilitation in post-vitrectomy eyes with diminished vision due to silicone oil-induced keratopathy, a study found.
"The use of intraocular silicone oil tamponades in conjunction with conventional vitrectomy techniques substantially increases successful anatomic reattachment of the retina for the treatment of recurrent retinal detachment secondary to proliferative vitreoretinopathy," the study authors said. "Unfortunately, corneal decompensation is a frequent long-term complication when there is contact between silicone oil and the corneal endothelium, particularly in the aphakic eye."
The retrospective study included eight eyes of eight patients with silicone oil-induced keratopathy who underwent implantation of the Boston keratoprosthesis as a primary procedure or after failed penetrating keratoplasty. Silicone oil had been retained in these eyes because of persistent hypotony.
Mean patient age was 37.25 years. Mean follow-up was 12 months (range: 1 month to 30 months).
Study results showed that anatomic integrity of the prosthesis was maintained and visual improvement was seen in seven eyes (87.5%). Best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/200 or better in six eyes (75%).
One eye had graft melting resulting from an annular lamellar corneal graft inserted under the prosthesis.
No intraocular infections or retinal complications were reported. The risk of glaucoma was minimal because of the prevalence of pre-existing hypotony, the authors said.