Keratoprosthesis apparatuses, systems, and methods

A method of assembling a keratoprosthesis apparatus, the method comprising:

• obtaining a circular backplate having a plurality of tabs positioned along and extending radially inwardly from an annular rim portion of the circular backplate, the plurality of tabs defining a space between them;
• moving the plurality of tabs by flexing a plurality of flexible appendages extending radially outwardly from the annular rim portion and positioned along the annular rim portion at locations corresponding to the plurality of tabs, whereby the plurality of tabs pivot about the annular rim portion so as to increase a diameter of a space between the plurality of tabs;
• inserting a neck portion of an optical stem including a curvilinear crown portion into the space between the plurality of tabs so as to position an annular ridge in the neck portion having a smaller diameter than a remainder of the neck portion adjacent to the plurality of tabs;
• and
• releasing the plurality of flexible appendages to reduce the diameter of the space between the plurality of tabs to engage the plurality of tabs in the ridge.

A keratoprosthesis apparatus comprising:

• a circular backplate composed, at least in part, of a titanium alloy, wherein the circular backplate includes an annular rim portion having a central aperture extending therethrough;
• a plurality of tabs positioned along the annular rim portion and extending radially inwardly into the aperture;
• a plurality of flexible appendages extending radially outwardly from the annular rim portion and positioned along the annular rim portion;
• and
• an optical stem including a curvilinear crown portion and a neck portion extending from the curvilinear crown portion, wherein the neck portion comprises an annular ridge having a smaller diameter than a remainder of the neck portion, and wherein the circular backplate is coupled to the optical stem via engagement of the plurality of tabs in the ridge of the neck portion of the optical stem.