title: Protection of the ocular surface after keratoprosthesis surgery: the role of soft contact lenses.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Claes H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Dohlman
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Dudenhoefer
authors.forename: Bilal F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Sheri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morneault
mesh_terms: 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