Use of RGP lens as Temporary Keratoprosthesis in Open-Sky Technique for Heterotopic Autokeratoplasty

To present a case of a combined procedure of heterotopic autokeratoplasty and ECCE with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and to demonstrate the novel use of an RGP lens as a safe, cost-effective alternative to temporary keratoprosthesis. A 65/F presented with blindness, OS from glaucoma but with a clear cornea, and corneal decompensation with cataract in OD with good visual potential. Heterotopic autokeratoplasty was performed due to the scarcity of corneal allografts and the high-risk nature of the case, with ECCE and IOL implantation in OD due to lens opacity. Temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) (such as Eckardt and Landers models) was substituted with RGP due to lower cost and accessibility. Pre-placement of two polyglactin perpendicular mattress sutures in the episclera at the horizontal and vertical positions was done and left untied. Next, left corneal trephination was performed using an 8-mm vacuum trephine, followed by the instillation of oculoviscosurgical device (OVD) and placement of a 10-mm diameter RGP lens over the left open globe, secured in place by tying the pre-placed overlying cross sutures. Then, right corneal trephination using a similar-sized trephine proceeded. Cataract was extracted in open-sky technique with IOL in the bag implantation. The clear left corneal button was then transplanted to OD and vice-versa. Postoperatively, VA improved from hand motions to 10/200 (Day 1). The graft remained clear 4 weeks post-op with further improvement in VA. IOP was maintained below 15 mmHg. Heterotopic autokeratoplasty is a valid option for unilateral cornea blind patients who have clear corneas in the fellow eye with no visual potential. This is useful in countries where corneal transplantation is costly, especially during time of pandemic when corneal allografts are scarce. In our experience, it can be safely performed using an RGP lens as a safe and cost-effective alternative to temporary keratoprosthesis.