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Postoperative care drives majority of expenses after Lucia KPro surgery

Ophthalmology 360

Key Takeaways

  1. Postoperative care accounted for the majority of total costs, largely due to complication management.
  2. Glaucoma, retroprosthetic membranes, and epithelial defects were the most common complications.
  3. Patients experienced significant visual improvement with high rates of anatomic retention.

Implantation of the Lucia Keratoprosthesis (KPro) in a resource-limited tertiary center was associated with substantial postoperative costs, primarily driven by complication management, while still demonstrating meaningful visual improvement and high rates of anatomic retention, according to a study.

Researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 24 patients (24 eyes) who underwent Lucia KPro implantation.

The mean follow-up period was 34 months.

  • Average total cost per patient: $6,949.55 ± $1,344.54
    • Initial surgery cost: $2,582.31 ± $980.13
  • Postoperative care: Accounted for 62.84% of total costs
    • Expenses were largely related to medical and surgical management of complications

Most common complications:

  • Glaucoma (37.5%)
  • Retroprosthetic membranes (33.3%)
  • Epithelial defects (16.7%)

Visual outcomes improved over the study period. Mean BCVA improved from 2.40 ± 0.28 LogMAR preoperatively to 1.32 ± 1.03 LogMAR at final follow-up, a mean gain of 1.08 LogMAR (P < 0.001). Anatomic retention was reported in 95.83% of cases, and 62.50% of patients achieved functional success, defined as BCVA of 20/200 or better.

The authors concluded that the Lucia KPro may serve as a cost-conscious option for managing corneal blindness in resource-limited settings, though postoperative care remains a significant contributor to overall costs. They noted that efforts to reduce complications, incorporate telemedicine follow-up, and implement national subsidy programs may help improve accessibility and financial feasibility.

Reference
Ortiz-Morales G, Muleiro-Alvarez M, Soberanes-Velarde J, et al. Cost analysis of the Lucia keratoprosthesis in a resource-limited tertiary care center. Int Ophthalmol. 2026;46(1):121. doi: 10.1007/s10792-026-03989-w. PMID: 41706250.

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