Epithelial growth over the optic surface of the type 1 Boston Keratoprosthesis: histopathology and implications for biointegration

Abstract

Yousuf M Khalifa, Don Davis, Nick Mamalis, Majid MoshirfarMoran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USAAbstract: We report the histopathology of epithelial overgrowth in the Boston type I keratoprosthesis. The epithelium shows an inconsistent number of layers and basement membrane and goblet cells are absent. Epithelialization of the keratoprosthesis optic would have multiple advantages, but the limitation of vision makes tolerating the overgrowth difficult.Keywords: keratoprosthesis, cornea, corneal transplant, biocompatibility, biointegration epithelium