HN user
There are some circumstances where a keratoprosthesis won’t work, particularly if the eye has no tear production. OOKP is a good technique in some where they are blind in both eyes from severe ocular surface issues but the retina is still intact. It is very resource intensive and involves a number of subspecialty areas, and so is a last ditch effort for the bilaterally blind.
Lots of valid discussion about risks. It is also worth considering the risks of whatever alternative correction is being used.
Nothing is as safe as a spectacles, which by their nature are likely somewhat protective.
The risks of long term contact lens wear and a laser vision correction procedure (PRK/LASIK/SMILE) are closer. Contact lenses have a non zero risk of serious complications including infection. The risk is much higher with extended wear contacts that are worn overnight. Daily disposables are the safest contact lens option.
The risk of serious complications with laser eye surgery are non zero but low if those who are unsuitable are excluded after examination and imaging.
Existing artificial corneas have great difficulties with biocompatibility and more critically stability of the interface between the implant and the host eye tissues. Currently donor corneas are a much better option for most where this is available.
If they can crack the issues this will make a difference, but they are not easy issues to solve. Corneal blindness is important cause of blindness worldwide, with a lot of the burden in places where corneal transplants are not available or not practical.