Patent ID: 6423093
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method of implanting a soft, flexible keratoprosthesis in the eye, comprising the steps of:(a) de-epithelializing the cornea; (b) making a 360Â°-circular peritomy in the conjuctiva; (c) making a scleral incision up to the half thickness of the sclera, approximately 1 mm posterior to the superior limbus; (d) dissecting the cornea at half thickness to create a support semicircular corneal flap; (e) making an inferior semicircular intrastromal pocket confined within the lamellar bed, the edge of the inferior intrastromal pocket, and the anterior cornea, continous with the plane of the dissection in the superior cornea; (f) reflecting inferiorly and retracting the superior corneal flap; (g) making a circular opening through the posterior corneal lamella, overlying the central visual axis; (h) inserting the keratoprosthesis into the pocket and placing the optic core centred over the posterior corneal opening; (i) placing the superior corneal flap over the keratoprosthesis; (j) suturing the scleral incision; (k) optionally, fashioning a covering flap to cover the entire surface of the globe; and (l) making a central opening, through both the conjuctiva and the anterior corneal lamella to expose the optic of the keratoprosthesis.