Pediatric Keratoprosthesis: A New Surgical Approach

摘要

INTRODUCTION FROM THOMAS JOHN, MD:A number of genetic, developmental, metabolic and idiopathic causes can result in congential clouding of the cornea. These include Peters anomaly, sclerocornea, dermoid, primary congenital glaucoma, birth trauma, congenital central corneal leukoma, congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy, posterior polymorphous dystrophy, mucopolysacharidosis, infectious/inflammatory processes, corneal keloid, congenital hereditary stromal dystrophy, and other causes. Treatment is primarily surgical. In the pediatric age group, when there is bilateral and visually disabling corneal opacity, a penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is usually the treatment of choice. In order to prevent amblyopia, the earlier the PKP is performed (usually prior to 3-6 months of age) the better the visual results. However, in the pediatric age group, PKP is a high-risk surgical procedure.