Protection of the ocular surface after keratoprosthesis surgery: the role of soft contact lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the short-term therapeutic value of soft contact lenses in patients with keratoprosthesis.


METHODS
Nineteen patients with a collar button-shaped keratoprosthesis were fitted with a soft contract lens and evaluated for the protective effect on the surrounding cornea.


RESULTS
The lenses were found to be highly protective against evaporative damage to the corneal surface around the device. They were well tolerated and could remain clean and in place for months. One infection occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
A soft contact lens can be of considerable protective value to the cornea surrounding a keratoprosthesis.
Dohlman
Claes H
CH
Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
Dudenhoefer
Eric J
EJ
Khan
Bilal F
BF
Morneault
Sheri
S
D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000009:adverse effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D019610:Cytoprotection; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology; D013212:Staphylococcus epidermidis; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible