The cornea’s primary purpose is to refract or bend light, and it is the transparent portion of the eye that covers the pupil. There are various diseases and medical conditions that can affect the health of your corneas, thus impacting your overall vision health. At Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists provide a wide range of cornea services, including corneal cross-linking, superficial keratectomy treatment, full or partial corneal transplants, and more. Read on to learn more about our cornea services, or contact our office in San Antonio, TX to schedule a consultation with one of our experts.
What Is Keratoprosthesis?
Keratoprosthesis is a surgical eye procedure that involves a full-thickness removal and replacement of the cornea. Due to its invasiveness, this surgery is typically reserved for patients with severe corneal disease. The keratoprosthesis itself is a combination of a donor cornea and an artificial cornea that is used in patients with a history of graft rejection or severe ocular surface disease. The board-certified ophthalmologists at Focal Point Vision have the most experience with the keratoprosthesis in the Greater San Antonio area, and we look forward to helping you experience restored vision and eye health with our advanced register of techniques.
What Are The Benefits Of Keratoprosthesis?
For patients with severe surface eye diseases or injuries, keratoprosthesis in San Antonio, TX at Focal Point Vision offers excellent benefits to restore and preserve their vision, including:
- Overcomes immune and graft rejection
- Treats multiple severe eye diseases and injuries
- Corrects astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness
- It’s an outpatient procedure
- Visual rehabilitation is relatively quick
- Procedure is not painful
Keratoprosthesis FAQ
Why do most patients need a keratoprosthesis?
According to studies, the most common reasons patients are recommended for a keratoprosthesis are a failed corneal transplant, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and a chemical injury to the eye.
Does the keratoprosthesis procedure hurt?
No, it doesn’t. Before we begin, anesthetic drops are placed in the eyes to completely numb them. Some patients may feel slight pressure if they feel anything at all.
What is a keratoprosthesis made from?
A keratoprosthesis is made from high-quality, medical-grade plastic that has a high tissue tolerance and excellent optical properties.
How Is Keratoprosthesis Done?
The keratoprosthesis device is assembled in four parts that comprise a front screw, the donor corneal tissue, a back plate, and a locking ring to hold it all together. This eye surgery is carried out in two parts. During the initial phase, one of our eye surgeons will place an Alphacor into your eye, which needs time (up to several months) to integrate with the rest of your eye. Once you have fully healed, we will then perform a second surgery to complete the corneal transplant process. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and most individuals will be able to go home the very same day.
Am I A Candidate For Keratoprosthesis?
While an initial cornea transplant can provide excellent results for some, others may require a second surgery or further care. At Focal Point Vision, our talented team of ophthalmologists is pleased to perform a number of advanced eye surgeries to help restore patients’ eye health and sight. If you have had a corneal transplant in the past and think you may be a candidate for keratoprosthesis, contact our office in San Antonio, TX to find out.
