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Aniridia and Boston KPro: Is It a Long-Term Option?

  • Ocular Prosthesis (J. De la Cruz, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Ophthalmology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Aniridia is a complex ocular disorder that causes limbal stem cell deficiency determining progressive aniridic keratopathy and the loss of corneal transparency. Allogeneic limbal stem cell transplantation followed by penetrating keratoplasty can stabilize the ocular surface but requires prolonged systemic immunosuppression. The type-1 Boston Keratoprosthesis can be a valid alternative allowing faster visual recovery without the need for systemic immunosuppression.

Recent Findings

Several studies have reported good visual outcomes and good retention rates for keratoprosthesis in aniridic patients. Nonetheless, concerns still exist regarding complications that might lead to irreversible loss of function, such as glaucoma progression or intraocular infection. Other complications include retroprosthetic membrane formation, hypotony, and device extrusion. The presence of macular pathology and prevalence of glaucoma are two factors that may affect final visual acuity outcomes in aniridic patients.

Summary

Implantation of the type-1 Boston Keratoprosthesis for aniridic keratopathy has shown promising results. However, further studies are needed to provide more evidence regarding long-term survival and complications.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy

    Karl Anders Knutsson

  2. Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, 20132, Italy

    Paolo Rama

Authors
  1. Karl Anders Knutsson
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  2. Paolo Rama
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Correspondence to Paolo Rama.

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Conflict of Interest

Karl Anders Knutsson and Paolo Rama declare no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Ocular Prosthesis.

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Knutsson, K.A., Rama, P. Aniridia and Boston KPro: Is It a Long-Term Option?. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 4, 154–158 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-016-0105-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-016-0105-0

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