The Effect of Surface Modification on Retention Period of Seoul Type Keratoprosthesis

Wee, W R; Chung, E S; Kim, H Y; Lee, J H

Abstract

Due to high complication rate, the retention period of keratoprosthesis has been limited. To investigate the method for extending the retention period of keratoprosthesis the effects of different method of surface modification on retention period of Seoul type keratoprosthesis[SKPro] were evaluated. We divided the rabbits implanted with nonmodified SKPro as group I, hydrophilic modification of optic as group II, skirt soaking with TGF betaas group III, and skirt soaking with bFGF as group IV. SKPro were implanted into 3 rabbits in each group. In two eyes of group II, SKPro retained without any complication for 6-month follow up period. But eyes in group Ishowed extensive melting of cornea in front of skirt. In two eyes of group III, SKPro retained well through the end of experiment with slightly wider melting than group II. In group IV, the average retention period was only 2 months with extensive melting of cornea. In conclusion surface modification of SKPro can significantly reduce melting of cornea and improve biocompatibility of SKPro.