Changing indications for penetrating keratoplasty

Penetrating Keratoplasty: Indications and Graft Survival by Geographic Region

Corneal transplantation, or penetrating keratoplasty (PK), is the most common form of solid-organ transplantation performed worldwide. Here, we evaluated the indications for PK and rates of transplant survival around the world by geographic region. We conducted a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases and identified 155 relevant studies from 41 countries published between 1987 and 2021. The most common indications for PK were keratoconus in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and Central and South America, bullous keratopathy in North America, and corneal scarring in Asia. The overall global mean graft survival rates at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years were 88.6%, 81.2%, 78.9%, 72.8%, and 61.2%, respectively. Through this systematic analysis of PK by region, we hope to bring a new perspective to the corneal transplantation literature and to potentially highlight global differences and unmet needs in patient care.

Corneal transplantation trends in France from 2004 to 2015: A 12-year review

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report the 12-year longitudinal trends in indication and corneal transplantation techniques in France from 2004 to 2015.

Results:

The records of all corneal transplantations performed from 2004 to 2015 in France were retrospectively reviewed. The patient indications and types of transplant performed were analyzed. A total of 46,658 corneal transplantations were performed between 2004 and 2015, with 34,187 (73.3%) penetrating keratoplasty and 10,452 (22.4%) lamellar keratoplasty. The leading surgical indications were secondary endothelial failure (24.3%), keratoconus (18.8%), regraft (13.5%), and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (15.1%). Endothelial keratoplasty became the preferred technique for endothelial diseases and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty the preferred technique for keratoconus, surpassing penetrating keratoplasty in 2013.

Conclusion:

Secondary endothelial failure is the top indication for performing a keratoplasty over the 12-year period. There was a shift from penetrating keratoplasty to endothelial keratoplasty performed for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and secondary endothelial failure, and to deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, performed for keratoconus. This highlights an important shift in managing corneal diseases toward the application of selective and more conservative surgeries and changes in indications in corneal transplantation.

Changing Indications in Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review of 34 Years of Global Reporting

BACKGROUND

Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) ranks among the oldest and most common kinds of human tissue transplantation. Based on the hypothesis that reported indications for PK significantly vary between global regions and over time, the present systematic review aimed to provide a thorough overview of global PK indications as reported in peer-reviewed manuscripts.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted to retrieve articles published from January 1980 to May 2014. Indications for PK within 7 global regions were compared using a modified classification system for PK indications and analyzed via multivariate regression.

RESULTS

A total of 141 publications from 37 countries were included, recording 180 865 PK cases. Postcataract surgery edema was the predominant indication in North America (28.0%) and ranked second in Europe (20.6%), Australia (21.1%), the Middle East (13.6%), Asia (15.5%), and South America (18.6%). Keratoconus was the leading indication in Europe (24.2%), Australia (33.2%), the Middle East (32.8%), Africa (32.4%), and South America (22.8%). It ranked third in North America (14.2%). Keratitis was the primary indication in Asia (32.3%). Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy was the fourth most common indication in North America (12.9%) and Europe (10.2%) and fifth in South America (3.8%). Multivariate analysis supported these results and revealed individual regional changes over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic analysis reveals characteristic chronological and regional differences in reported global PK indications. Leading reported indications for PK between 1980 and 2014 were keratoconus (Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy/aphakic bullous keratopathy (North America), and keratitis (Asia).

Intrascleral fibrin glue intraocular lens fixation combined with Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty or penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of intrascleral haptic fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL) with fibrin glue combined with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) or Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for aphakic or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (BKP).

SETTING

Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

DESIGN

Case series.

METHODS

Eyes with BKP had combined PKP or DSAEK with fibrin glue-assisted intrascleral posterior chamber (PC) IOL fixation; PKP was performed in eyes with a corneal scar and DSAEK in eyes without a scar. The parameters evaluated were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), anterior segment biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness (CCT), and IOL status. Intraoperative events and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 11 patients (11 eyes). Intrascleral fixation of a PC IOL with PKP or DSAEK was successfully performed in all eyes; PKP was performed in 6 eyes (54.54%) and DSAEK in 5 eyes. The mean CDVA improved from 1.95 logMAR ± 0.29 (SD) to 0.40 ± 0.16 logMAR (P<.001). The mean CCT was 0.741 ± 0.71 mm preoperatively and 0.579 ± 0.20 mm postoperatively (P<.001). There were no cases of intraoperative or postoperative IOL decentration or other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrin glue-assisted intrascleral fixation of a PC IOL combined with DSAEK or PKP was a safe, effective method to manage BKP with aphakia or malpositioned IOLs. The IOL fixation was strong enough to sustain the manipulation required for corneal procedures.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Fuchs' corneal dystrophy

Fuchs' corneal dystrophy (FCD) is a progressive, hereditary disease of the cornea first described a century ago by the Austrian ophthalmologist Ernst Fuchs. Patients often present in the fifth to sixth decade of life with blurry morning vision that increases in duration as the disease progresses. Primarily a condition of the posterior cornea, characteristic features include the formation of focal excrescences of Descemet membrane termed 'guttae', loss of endothelial cell density and end-stage disease manifested by corneal edema and the formation of epithelial bullae. Recent advances in our understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease, as well as the application of new imaging modalities and less invasive surgical procedures, present new opportunities for improved outcomes among patients with FCD.

National Survey on Bullous Keratopathy in Japan

PURPOSE

To present the results of a national survey on bullous keratopathy (BK) in Japan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional national survey was conducted for 963 eyes with BK seen between 1999 and 2001 by members of the Japan Cornea Society. Demographic characteristics, type of surgery, complications, and postoperative outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

BK accounted for 24.2% (963 eyes) of total keratoplasties performed during the period. Graft clarity was maintained in 77.4% of cases, and immunologic rejection and elevated intraocular pressure was noted in 10.8% and 15.3%, respectively. Cataract surgery was the most common cause of BK (n = 428, 44.4%), and phacoemulsification and aspiration were performed in approximately 40% of cases. BK secondary to laser iridotomy (LI) was the second most common cause of BK (n = 225, 23.4%). LI was performed as a prophylactic measure in approximately one half of these cases. BK developed with a mean duration of 6.8 years after LI. Fuchs dystrophy was the cause of BK in 18 eyes (1.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The causes of BK in Japan are considerably different from those in other Western countries. LI-related BKs showed a remarkably high number, whereas Fuchs dystrophy was observed only rarely.

Indications and outcome of repeat penetrating keratoplasty in India

Background

Repeat penetrating keratoplasty is quite often required as there is high chance of failure of the primary graft particularly in the developing world. We planned a study to analyze the indications and outcome of repeat penetrating keratoplasty in a tertiary care centre in India.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all the patients who underwent repeat penetrating keratoplasty, between January 1999 and December 2001 was performed. The parameters evaluated were indication for the primary penetrating keratoplasty, causes of failure of the previous graft, and final visual outcome and clarity of the repeat corneal grafts.

Results

Of fifty-three eyes of 50 patients with repeat penetrating keratoplasty (three patients underwent bilateral corneal regrafts), 37 eyes had undergone one regraft each, 14 eyes two regrafts and two eyes had three regrafts. The follow-up of the patients ranged from one to three years. The most common primary etiologic diagnosis was vascularized corneal scars (66%), of which the scars related to infection were most common (68.5%). Twenty-eight regrafts (52.8%) remained clear at a mean follow-up of 1.54 ± 0.68 years, of which 25 were single regrafts (89.3%). The commonest cause of failure of regraft was infection to the corneal graft (recurrence of herpetic infection in 9 eyes and perforated graft ulcers in 3 eyes). Three (18.6%) of the 16 eyes with multiple corneal regrafts achieved a BCVA of 6/60. Overall, only five eyes (all with single regraft) achieved a BCVA of 6/18 or better at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

Graft infection is the leading cause of failure of repeat keratoplasty in this part of the world. Prognosis for visual recovery and graft survival is worse in eyes undergoing multiple regrafts.

Penetrating keratoplasty: indications over a 10 year period

AIMS

To determine the indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) at the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank, UK, a tertiary referral centre, over a 10 year period.

METHODS

Records of all patients who underwent PK at our institution between 1990 and 1999 were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 1096 procedures performed in this period, 784 records were available for evaluation (72%).

RESULTS

Regrafting was the most common indication, accounting for 40.9% of all cases. Keratoconus was the second most common indication (15%), followed by Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (9.3%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (7.6%), and viral keratitis (5.9%), which included both herpes simplex and herpes zoster and showed a statistically significant decreasing trend using regression analysis (p<0.005). Among the regraft subgroup, viral keratitis accounted for 21.2% as the underlying primary diagnosis. The most common cause for graft failure in the regraft subgroup was endothelial failure (41.8%).

CONCLUSION

Regrafting is the leading indication for PK; viral disease-although declining-is the leading primary diagnosis.

Penetrating keratoplasty and Artisan iris-fixated intraocular lens implantation in the management of aphakic bullous keratopathy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) management with combined PK, anterior vitrectomy, angle synechiolysis, and Artisan intraocular lens implantation.

METHODS

Fourteen eyes of 11 patients underwent the procedure. Mean follow-up was 12-36 months (mean 24) for visual acuity (Va), refractive error (RE), intraocular pressure (IOP), tonography, graft clarity, intraocular lens centration, and any complications.

RESULTS

The postoperative mean values were: Va improved from 20/400 to 20/50, spherical RE was -2.65 diopters, IOP was 17.5 mmHg, tonography improved by 55%, all grafts were clear; no IOL decentrations or serious complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This iris-fixated intraocular lens appears to offer simplicity in implantation and may be combined with PK, anterior vitrectomy, and angle synechiolysis. It may be a safe and effective alternative with PK in the management of ABK.

Visual acuity after penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic and aphakic bullous keratopathy

PURPOSE

To identify prognostic factors that determine the visual acuity after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for bullous keratopathy secondary to cataract surgery.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients who had PKP for bullous keratopathy were examined before and after surgery. The patients were divided into 3 groups: pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) after cataract extraction with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) (Group 1) or an anterior chamber IOL (AC IOL) (Group 2); aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) (Group 3). The following parameters were recorded: preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, age at the time of surgery, interval between cataract surgery and development of bullous keratopathy, presence of an AC IOL or a PC IOL, aphakia, and presence of concomitant ocular pathology.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improved in Group 1 (0.02 to 0.26); no visual improvement was observed in the other groups. Posterior segment damage occurred in one third of the patients in Group 1 and in all patients in the other groups. Patients with an intact posterior segment had a significantly better visual outcome. In eyes without posterior segment pathology, visual acuity improved from a mean of 0.03 (range 0 to 0.20) to a mean of 0.37 (range 0.03 to 0.90). In eyes with posterior segment pathology, no visual acuity improvement could be obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

The most important negative prognostic factors affecting visual acuity were the presence of concomitant ocular pathology, an AC IOL, and a long interval between surgery and the development of bullous keratopathy.

Indications for corneal transplantation in New Zealand: 1991-1999

PURPOSE

To identify the indications for keratoplasty in patients supplied with donor tissue through the New Zealand National Eye Bank.

METHODS

Analysis of penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty data collected by the New Zealand National Eye Bank, Auckland, from 1991 to 1999.

RESULTS

In this 9-year period, donor material was supplied for 1370 corneal grafts; 1308 for penetrating keratoplasty, 26 for lamellar keratoplasty, and 36 for unspecified grafts. This accounts for a minimum of 85% of the penetrating keratoplasties performed in New Zealand from 1991 to 1999. The leading indications for penetrating keratoplasty were keratoconus (45.6%), pseudophakic or aphakic corneal edema (17.9%), regraft (8.7%), viral keratitis (7.3%), and trauma (5.5%). The average age of patients was 47.5 years (SD = 22.6) and age distribution was bimodal, with peaks in the 3rd and 8th decades. Keratoconus, regraft, and trauma were significantly more common as indicators for penetrating keratoplasty in male patients than female patients; however, pseudophakic or aphakic corneal edema was more common in female patients.

CONCLUSION

The majority of transplantation surgery in New Zealand is performed using corneal tissue from the New Zealand National Eye Bank. In this representative study, keratoconus is the leading indicator for penetrating keratoplasty in New Zealand, accounting for a higher proportion than in any other published literature. The other indications, age distribution and gender differences correlate with previous reports. These findings suggest that keratoconus leading to transplantation may have increased prevalence in New Zealand.

Visual outcome in corneal grafts: a preliminary analysis of the Swedish Corneal Transplant Register

AIM

To assess visual outcome and the incidence of complications at 2 years postoperatively in corneal grafts reported to the Swedish Corneal Transplant Register.

METHODS

Preoperative and 2 year follow up data were submitted to the Swedish Corneal Transplant Register by surgeons in eight corneal transplant clinics in Sweden. Preoperative data on 1957 grafts and 520 grafts with 2 year follow up were included in the analysis. Data were analysed by multiple linear and logistic regression methods, as appropriate.

RESULTS

The major diagnostic categories were keratoconus (29%), bullous keratopathy (21%), and "other diagnosis" (32%). Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and stromal dystrophies accounted for 15% and 3% of grafts, respectively. At 2 years the overall incidence of complications, other than rejection and regrafting, was 26%, with an increasing frequency from keratoconus < Fuchs' dystrophy < bullous keratopathy < "other diagnosis." Rejection was observed in 15% of grafts and was more likely in the bullous keratopathy (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1 to 9.0, p=0.04) and "other diagnosis" (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.9, p=0.03) groups. Regrafting, which occurred in 10% of cases, was not influenced by diagnosis, but it was related to the incidence of rejection (OR 14.8, 95% CI 6.1 to 35.9, p<0.001) and other complications (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.9 to 10.4, p=0.001), and to the presence of other sight threatening pathology in the eye (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3 to 9.9, p=0.01). Visual acuity was improved in a high proportion of the patients, especially those with keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy where, respectively, 86% and 54% of grafts achieved a visual acuity of > or =0.5 at 2 years, compared with only 31% with bullous keratopathy and 35% in the "other diagnosis" group. 60% of grafts for keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy achieved a visual acuity equal to or better than the other eye. Postoperative astigmatism was higher in the bullous keratopathy (p=0.01) group. Patients with high astigmatism benefited from refractive surgery, showing a reduction from 7.9 (95%CI 6.9, 8.7) to 3.2 (95% CI 2.6, 3.9) dioptres (p<0.001). A centre effect was evident in visual outcome.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of complications was related to diagnosis. Complications other than rejection and regrafting were most likely in the "other diagnosis" group, and further analysis of this group is therefore planned. The best improvement in visual acuity and the lowest astigmatism were achieved in the keratoconus and Fuchs' dystrophy groups; but the influence of diagnosis on astigmatism was small and, overall, the statistical model accounted for only 8% of the variability in astigmatism. Refractive surgery was, however, effective in reducing astigmatism. It is hoped that a better understanding of the factors that determine the visual outcome of grafts will emerge from future analyses of the Swedish Corneal Transplant Register, helping to refine the criteria for patient selection and to guide clinical practice.

Binocular vision recovery in bilateral keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To determine the benefit of bilateral penetrating keratoplasty with regard to binocular vision.

METHODS

We compared patients who underwent corneal transplantation bilaterally with patients who had successful corneal transplantation in one eye and corneal disease in the other eye. Specifically, changes in fusion, stereopsis, and binocular vision function were analyzed. A questionnaire regarding performance of daily tasks was given.

RESULTS

Patients with bilateral keratoplasty performed better in all the analyzed functions. Fusion was achieved by 81.25% in the unilateral group versus 100% in the bilateral group (p = 0.15). Stereopsis was present more in the bilateral group (100% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.008) and the quantity of stereopsis was significantly better in the bilateral group (121 seconds of arc vs. 1,284 seconds of arc, p = 0.014). 88.8% of the patients subjectively improved in daily activities after second eye surgery.

CONCLUSION

There are objective and subjective improvements after bilateral penetrating keratoplasty.

Trends in the indications for penetrating keratoplasty in the midwestern United States

PURPOSE

To examine the leading indications and identify the changing trends for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in the midwestern United States.

METHODS

The indications for PKPs at a single center tertiary care referral practice were tabulated to assess trends from 1982 to 1996. The data analysis was prospective after 1985. Age, gender, clinical indication for PKP, date of surgery, status of the lens at the time of surgery (phakic, aphakic, pseudophakic, cataract), and any secondary diagnoses were recorded. In pseudophakic eyes, the type of intraocular lens (IOL) present at the time of surgery was noted. Correlation analysis and linear regression were used in the SAS system, version 6.12, to test for the statistical significance in increasing or decreasing trends over the span of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 4,217 PKPs were performed on 3,263 patients. The leading indication for PKP was pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (31.5%), with 73% of these cases associated with an anterior chamber IOL, 21% associated with a posterior chamber IOL, and 6% associated with an iris-fixated IOL. Fuchs' dystrophy (23.2%), keratoconus (11.4%), corneal scarring (11.2%), failed graft (8.9%), and aphakic bullous keratopathy (7.5%) followed pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in frequency. These six groups accounted for approximately 93% of all cases performed. There were significant increasing trends in the incidence of failed grafts (p = 0.0001) and corneal scarring (p = 0.0001), and decreasing trends in the incidence of aphakic bullous keratopathy (p = 0.0001). There was a significant decreasing trend in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy from 1989 to 1996 (p = 0.0031).

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was the leading indication for PKP in our series. This is in agreement with the data reported in other similar studies done in North America. However, unlike most of these studies, our second leading indication was Fuchs' dystrophy. This contrast may be secondary to different genetic demographics in the midwestern United States.

Surgical management of coexisting pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and glaucoma

This technique is a 1-step surgical management approach for patients with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, glaucoma, and an unsatisfactory intraocular lens (IOL). The outcome of 4 consecutive patients who had penetrating keratoplasty, IOL removal, vitrectomy, transscleral sutured IOL implantation, and trabeculectomy by the same surgeon were reviewed. All patients had had intracapsular cataract extraction with anterior chamber IOL implantation and were on antiglaucoma therapy. Main outcome measures were Snellen visual acuity and intraocular pressure. A 1-stage quintuple procedure can achieve relatively rapid visual rehabilitation in these high-risk eyes. The role of filtration surgery is controversial, but it was partially successful in controlling postoperative intraocular pressure.

Intraoperative cauterization of the cornea can reduce postkeratoplasty refractive error in patients with keratoconus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intraoperative corneal cauterization on the postkeratoplasty refraction of patients with keratoconus.

DESIGN

A randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty eyes of 29 patients with keratoconus undergoing standard penetrating keratoplasty by the same surgeon were evaluated (MB).

INTERVENTION

Standard penetrating keratoplasty included the use of an 8.0-mm donor button sutured into a 7.5-mm recipient bed by means of two running 10-0 nylon sutures with 16 bites each. Before trephination of the recipient bed, superficial cauterization causing tissue shrinkage was applied to a 6-mm central area of the cornea of only 15 eyes (group A). The remaining 15 eyes (group B) did not undergo intraoperative cauterization. Before surgery, 6 months, and 13 months after surgery, a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed on each patient, including uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, computerized corneal topography, as well as A-scan contact ultrasonography.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postkeratoplasty refractive error was measured.

RESULTS

Both 6 months (sutures still in place) and 13 months (suture removal performed in all patients) after surgery, the average spherical equivalent was significantly less myopic in the patients undergoing cauterization. At 6 months, it was +1.72 diopters (D) +/- 1.13 D in group A and -3.16 D +/- 2.84 D in group B; at 13 months, it was +0.09 D 1.52 D in group A and -3.89 D +/- 3.01 D in group B. The average keratometric astigmatism also was significantly lower in group A than in group B both at 6 (2.5 D +/- 1.6 D vs. 4.1 D +/- 2.3 D) and 13 months (2.7 D +/- 1.5 D vs. 4.4 D +/- 2.4 D) after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Cauterization of the central cornea improves the postkeratoplasty refractive results of patients with keratoconus.

Intraocular lens complications requiring removal or exchange

Intraocular lens (IOL)-related complications are caused primarily by mechanical trauma, inflammatory or infectious complications, or optical problems. Complications may occur at the time of surgery or be the result of an ongoing postoperative process. Mechanical and inflammatory injury may produce corneal decompensation, cystoid macular edema, hyphema, uveitis, and glaucoma, causing reduced vision and in some cases chronic pain. Optical problems may be due to a wrong power of the IOL or to postoperative decentration or dislocation of the lens. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the indications for IOL removal or exchange in those patients who have ongoing IOL-induced injury or impairment. Removal or exchange of an IOL frequently involves a complex decision-making process and is often associated with immense technical challenge. Various medical and surgical treatments may be tried to correct IOL problems before the decision is made to remove or exchange the lens.

Persisting corneal oedema following intracapsular cataract extraction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to reveal the frequency of persisting corneal oedema following intracapsular cataract extraction and at the same time to examine whether the survival rate after penetrating keratoplasty due to this diagnosis differs from the survival rate following penetrating keratoplasty due to primary Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

A series of 2455 eyes underwent intracapsular cataract extraction between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1988, at the Department of Ophthalmology, Arhus University Hospital. The medical files were examined to study the frequency of persisting corneal oedema. Patients with persisting corneal oedema were offered penetrating keratoplasty and the survival rate following this procedure was calculated.

RESULTS

The frequency of pseudophakic persisting corneal oedema was 5.3% in the group of patients who underwent intracapsular cataract extraction. The survival of the following corneal transplantation was 54% after 2 years of follow-up. This is a low survival rate compared to the survival rate in primary Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, but there is a similarity to this disease in a development of a slowly progressive oedema in 17% compared to 13% in primary Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy.

CONCLUSION

5.3% of a group of patients who underwent intracapsular cataract extraction developed persisting corneal oedema within a 5 to 7-year follow-up period. When these patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty the survival rate of the graft was 54% after 2 years of follow-up.

Penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic corneal oedema

AIMS

The study was designed to investigate the results of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for pseudophakic corneal oedema (PCO).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 80 consecutive patients (82 eyes) who underwent PK for PCO between the years 1980-1992 with a minimum follow up of 12 months.

RESULTS

PKs for PCO have accounted for as many as 20% of all grafts performed in the hospital in recent years. The interval between cataract extraction and PK ranged from 6 to 161 months (mean 51 months). The intraocular lens was removed in 45 (55%), left in situ in 30 (37%), and exchanged in seven (8%) of cases respectively. Of the intraocular lenses involved 62% were iris supported, 31% angle supported, and 7% were posterior chamber lenses. Actuarial analysis shows graft survival to be 91% at 1 year and 86% at 2 years after surgery. The likelihood of graft survival was significantly enhanced by removal of the intraocular lens (p < 0.01). A corrected Snellen visual acuity worse than 6/60 was present in 36% of patients with a clear corneal graft. Ocular comfort was achieved in all patients with a clear corneal graft.

CONCLUSION

PK for PCO resulted in a disappointing visual result in a large proportion of patients. PK was, however, successful in relieving pain and corneal ulceration when present.