Some patients may not do well with a cornea transplant depending on what their underlying condition is. In such instances or if a patient has rejected multiple cornea transplants, an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) may be an option. This involves suturing of a plastic window into a patient’s cornea. It is an extensive surgery that can have great outcomes in the right situations but entails significant risks and requires a life-time of care, medication, and follow-up. The surgery usually takes 2-3 hrs, and patients should minimize activity for a week after surgery. Visual recovery is usually within a few weeks.
Patients may often develop other types of eye problems. Dr. Ambati works with retina, glaucoma, or eyelid specialists at the Pacific Clear Vision Institute in Eugene as needed for patients with artificial corneas.
