Information for the public
Benefits and risks
Benefits and risks
When NICE looked at the evidence, it decided that it showed that implantation of a corneal graft–keratoprosthesis is safe enough and works well enough for use in the NHS. The 15 studies that NICE looked at involved a total of 1095 patients.
Generally, they showed the following benefits:
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improved sight in the affected eye – 70% of people were able to at least read the bottom line on an eye test chart at 6 months, compared with only 9% before surgery
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84% of people still had the device in 2 years after surgery, and 67% still had it in at 7 years
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improved sight-related quality of life at an average of 16 months after the procedure.
The studies showed that significant complications are common with corneal graft–keratoprosthesis. Problems included infection, inflammation, ulceration, increased pressure and bleeding in the eye, as well as loss of sight and the need to remove the eyeball. Around a third of corneal graft-keratoprostheses had been removed 7 years after the procedure because of complications such as leaks or the device moving out of position. Your doctor should make sure you clearly understand the balance of risks and benefits, including the possibility that your sight may not improve and may get worse.
If you want to know more about the studies, see the guidance. Ask your health professional to explain anything you don't understand.