Long-Term Prevalence Of Glaucoma And Visual Acuity Outcomes In Patients Undergoing Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis Implantation

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and management of glaucoma before and after Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation in patients treated at the Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular de Barcelona, Grupo Miranza. Additionally, the study seeks to assess visual acuity outcomes in these patients with corneal pathologies deemed unsuitable for conventional corneal transplantation. 

Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO Barcelona) Grupo Miranza C/ Josep Maria Lladó, 3, 08035 Barcelona (Spain).

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted of all patients who underwent Boston Keratoprosthesis implantation at the center between 2006 and 2023 following approval by the local Ethics Committee for Investigation with Medicinal Products (CEIm). Data on prevalence of glaucoma, its management, and visual acuity outcomes were collected and analyzed at short-term (6 months to 2 years), medium-term (2 to 5 years), and long-term (5 years or more) follow-up.

The study included 96 patients, comprising 46 (47.92%) right eyes and 50 (52.08%) left eyes. The cohort consisted of 60 men and 36 women in ages ranging from 5 to 91 years, with a mean and SD of 55.5 (±20.46). At the two-year follow-up, only 27.27% of the patients developed postoperative glaucoma. Detailed results on visual acuity, glaucoma prevalence, detection, and management strategies will be presented. 

Findings suggest that the Boston Keratoprosthesis improves visual acuity in patients with unfavorable prognoses for conventional corneal transplantation. The results of this research may provide relevant data to improve clinical practice, establish follow-up guidelines, and optimize treatment strategies for future patients undergoing this procedure.