Implantation of an artificial cornea, also known as keratoprosthesis, may offer hope to those who have either rejected donor grafts or are not a good candidate for natural grafts.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the artificial cornea is that there is little to no risk of rejection since only host tissue is used. However, artificial corneas are only indicated in those patients who cannot tolerate natural grafts. Complications of artificial corneal transplant are similar to those of traditional transplantation surgery and include infection, glaucoma and possible retina detachment.