A novel temporary keratoprosthesis technique for vitreoretinal surgery

AIM: To investigate the safety of vitreoretinal surgery when using a soft contact lens as a temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) in patients with severe corneal opacifications.

METHODS: Three patients with simultaneous corneal and vitreoretinal pathology were treated with a soft contact lens that was used as a TKP to facilitate vitreoretinal surgery. The soft contact lens was fixated with sutures onto the globe so that no leakage was possible.

RESULTS: Vitreoretinal surgery with excellent fundus view was possible in all cases. The soft contact lens allowed safe central and peripheral vitrectomy. Surgery was successful in all cases.

CONCLUSION: A soft contact lens properly fixated on the globe can successfully replace a TKP. This surgical procedure has several advantages like one size fits all, low costs, and easy access to the material.