The CorNeat KPro is a synthetic artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) developed by CorNeat Vision. It is implanted to restore vision in corneal blindness where a conventional human donor corneal transplant has failed or is unsuitable — for example after repeated graft rejection, severe scarring, chemical or thermal burns, autoimmune surface disease, or severe dry eye. Unlike a donor graft it uses no human tissue. It is implanted in a single procedure of around an hour and can be combined with vitrectomy where needed. As an emerging device used in selected cases at specialist corneal centres, suitability and final pricing — typically from about £15,000 per eye — are confirmed only after a specialist assessment.
What is the CorNeat KPro — and what is corneal blindness?
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. When it becomes scarred, swollen or opaque, light can no longer pass cleanly to the retina and vision is lost — this is corneal blindness. In many cases a corneal transplant using human donor tissue restores sight, but some eyes reject grafts repeatedly, or the ocular surface is too damaged by burns, autoimmune disease or severe dryness for a donor graft to survive.
The CorNeat KPro is a keratoprosthesis — an artificial cornea designed for exactly these eyes. A central transparent optic projects a clear image onto the retina. Its key innovation is the EverPatch: a non-degradable, biomimetic skirt that integrates with the eye's own tissue beneath the conjunctiva and within the sclera, rather than relying on a diseased cornea to hold it. This is intended to give stable, long-term integration where earlier devices have struggled.
When a donor graft may not be the answer
- Repeated graft failure or rejection — when one or more donor corneal transplants have already failed
- Severe chemical or thermal burns — where the ocular surface cannot support donor tissue
- Autoimmune surface disease — conditions that attack the front of the eye
- Severe dry eye and surface failure — a hostile environment for a conventional graft
- Dense corneal scarring — where the cornea, not the back of the eye, is the cause of blindness
Have you had a graft fail? A specialist corneal assessment can confirm whether the cornea — rather than the retina or optic nerve — is the cause of your sight loss, and whether the CorNeat KPro is an option.
Book a corneal assessmentWho it's for — candidacy & alternatives
The CorNeat KPro is considered when the problem lies at the front of the eye and the back of the eye is healthy. Candidacy therefore depends on a viable retina and optic nerve. Where the cornea is opaque, this is confirmed with B-scan ultrasound, OCT and electrophysiology before any surgery is offered. It is an emerging device used in selected cases, and your surgeon will always weigh it against the established alternatives below.
For some endothelial and keratoconus problems a partial or lamellar graft is more appropriate than an artificial cornea — for example DALK for keratoconus, Bowman layer transplant or ultra-thin DSAEK. Your consultant will explain where each approach fits, and the CorNeat KPro is considered only when these established options are not viable.
The procedure
CorNeat KPro implantation is carried out as a single-stage procedure lasting around an hour, under local or general anaesthetic depending on your eye and your preference. Where the back of the eye also needs attention, it can be combined with a vitrectomy in the same sitting.
- Assessment first. Before any surgery, the retina and optic nerve are confirmed to be viable using B-scan ultrasound, OCT and electrophysiology where the cornea is too opaque to see through.
- Preparing the eye. The diseased central cornea is prepared and the conjunctiva is opened to expose the sclera, creating the bed for the device.
- Implanting the device. The CorNeat KPro is positioned so its central transparent optic sits over the visual axis and projects a clear image onto the retina.
- Integrating the EverPatch. The non-degradable skirt is secured within the sclera and beneath the conjunctiva, anchoring the device to your own tissue rather than the diseased cornea.
- Optional vitrectomy. If the back of the eye needs treatment, a combined vitrectomy is performed in the same procedure.
Recovery & lifelong follow-up
As with any keratoprosthesis, the CorNeat KPro requires careful, lifelong specialist monitoring. Vision and healing vary between eyes, and the timeline below is a general guide only — your surgeon will set your own schedule.
First days
The eye is protected and reviewed closely. Drops are started and the eye is monitored for pressure and early healing.
First weeks
Vision through the central optic begins to settle. Frequent reviews check integration of the EverPatch and intraocular pressure.
First months
The device and surface stabilise. Your surgeon watches for glaucoma, infection and any retroprosthetic membrane behind the optic.
Ongoing
Lifelong specialist follow-up continues — monitoring eye pressure, surface health and device stability so problems are caught early.
Long term
The CorNeat KPro is an emerging device and long-term outcome data are still maturing. Continued specialist care remains essential.
Cost
The CorNeat KPro is complex specialist surgery, so the figures below are a guide only. A firm quote — and confirmation of suitability — follows your specialist assessment.
- Self-pay: typically from about £15,000 per eye, and commonly in the region of £15,000–£25,000 depending on combined procedures (such as vitrectomy), anaesthetic and aftercare. Always price on assessment.
- Insurance: may contribute for eligible cases; we can help you explore cover before committing.
- Finance: options are available — see our finance information, or our full price list.