The history of keratoplasty: A brief overview

Abstract

The histories of keratoprosthesis and corneal allograft (penetrating keratoplasty) are complex and intimately intertwined. Of the two procedures, keratoprosthesis predates penetrating keratoplasty by almost a century and, as such, plays an important role in the development of corneal transplantation. For the contemporary corneal surgeon interested in keratoprosthesis surgery, understanding the historical landmarks of both keratoplasty and prosthokeratoplasty is important to the recognition of the obstacles we face to finding a successful artificial cornea.