Implantation of a corneal graft–keratoprosthesis for severe corneal opacity in wet blinking eyes

The procedure

A corneal graft–keratoprosthesis (type I) is an artificial cornea surrounded by a corneal graft from a human donor. It is inserted using a local or general anaesthetic. The centre of the person's opaque cornea and the natural lens, if in place, are removed. The corneal graft–keratoprosthesis, which is made to match the person's eye, is then inserted and secured with stitches. Finally, a special soft contact lens is used to protect the eye while it heals.

After the operation, for the rest of their lives, people who have had the procedure have to wear a soft contact lens, use antibiotic drops and possibly topical steroid drops or ointment, and be monitored and followed up frequently.