A KERATOPROSTHESIS FOR TRAINING AND EXPER IMENTAL-SURGICAL USE OF HUMAN DONOR EYES FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF THE CORNEAL TRANSPLANT

Background: Keratoprosthetic devices have been introduced far short-te rm use during surgical interventions and for long-term therapeutical u se. The keratoprosthesis presented here was developed for the experime ntal use of human donor eyes after removal of the cornea. Materials an d methods: In a step-by-step modification process, the main constructi ve elements of the keratoprosthesis were modified and rested for handl ing, operative stability and optical quality. PMMA was used as basic m aterial. Results: The final model was a two-piece device consisting of a screw (8.0 mm long, 14.5 mm in diameter) with an ample base (17.5 m m in diameter) for the introduction into the anterior segment followin g a corneal removal 15.0 mm in diameter. A threaded outer ring fixes t he scleral rim against the screw. Lateral boreholes enable the devices to be handled by ordinary surgical forceps. Conclusions: The keratopr osthesis proved to be a useful and efficient aid in experimental and n early realistic vitreoretinal surgery with human donor eyes after remo val of the cornea.