Outcomes of keratoplasty in a cohort of Indian patients with xeroderma pigmentosum

Purpose:To evaluate the outcomes of keratoplasty for xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) performed at a tertiary eye care center.Methods:A retrospective review of medical records of those patients who were clinically diagnosed to have XP (54 eyes of 36 patients) and underwent keratoplasty; either deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, four eyes), endothelial keratoplasty (EK, eight eyes), or penetrating keratoplasty (PK, 42 eyes) from 1994 to 2018.Results:The median age at surgery was 20.6 years (interquartile range [IQR], 14.6–27.6 years) and 20 (55.6%) were males. Graft failure occurred in 15 eyes (35.7%) in the PK group and two eyes (50%) in the DALK group; none failed in the EK group. The probability of graft survival in the PK group was 97.2% ± 2.7% at 1 year, 74.0% ± 8.0% at 2 years, and 54.8% ± 11.7% at 5 years. In the PK group, 13 eyes needed antiglaucoma medications, 11 eyes developed graft infiltrate, and 13 eyes needed secondary interventions (cataract surgery, excision biopsy, and tarsorrhaphy). In the EK group, three eyes needed secondary interventions (excision biopsy). Median postoperative endothelial cell density at the last follow-up in the PK group was 1214 cells/mm² (IQR, 623–2277 cells/mm²).Conclusion:Despite the complexities of the ocular surface and adnexal issues in XP, keratoplasty had reasonably good outcomes. More than half of the PK grafts survived 5 years with no failures in the EK group. Regular follow-up and timely management of suture-related infections raised intraocular pressure, and suspicious ocular surface lesions, in addition to solar protection, are important for the success of keratoplasty in these eyes.     

Comparison of penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty in patients with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome: A registry study

Background

To compare graft survival of endothelial keratoplasty (EK) versus penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome and identify ocular features associated with graft survival.

Methods

Observational, prospective, cohort study. A total of 30 806 first grafts performed between 1985 and 2020 were identified through the Australian Corneal Graft Registry and included in this observational, prospective cohort study. A total of 196 eyes underwent a primary corneal graft for ICE syndrome. Kaplan–Meier graft survival plots and Chi-squared tests were performed to identify graft survival rates for EK and PK. A history of raised intraocular pressure (IOP) was also recorded and analysed. Graft survival of eyes with ICE syndrome were compared to that of other indications.

Results

Grafts performed for ICE syndrome increased to 0.8% of all cases during the 2005 to 2020 period compared with 0.5% between 1985 to 2004 (χ²=9.35, p = 0.002). From 2010, EK surpassed PK as the preferred graft type. Survival of primary grafts in eyes with ICE syndrome was lower than for other indications (log-rank = 56.62, p < 0.001). Graft survival was higher following PK than Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DS(A)EK) (log-rank = 10.56, p = 0.001). Graft survival was higher in eyes without a history of raised IOP compared to those with a reported history of raised IOP (log-rank = 13.06, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

ICE syndrome carries a poor prognosis for graft survival. DS(A)EK had a poorer prognosis than PK. A history of raised IOP is associated with higher risk of graft failure.     

Changing trends in corneal graft surgery: a ten-year review

AIM: To review indications and corneal tissue use for penetrating and lamellar surgery between 2002 and 2011. METHODS: The surgical reports of corneal grafts performed during 2002-2011, using tissues supplied by the Eye Bank of Piedmont (Italy), were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographic data, date of intervention, indication for surgery, and surgical technique used were recorded. Surgical techniques included penetrating keratoplasty (PK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and endothelial keratoplasty (EK). The χ2 test was used to compare the distribution of indications and types of surgical technique used, for corneal grafts done during 2002-2006 versus those done during 2007-2011. RESULTS: The number of corneal grafts increased by 30.7% from 2002-2006 to 2007-2011 (from 1567 to 2048). Comparing the two periods, both main indications and surgical techniques changed significantly. In 2007-2011, the proportion of interventions for aphakic/pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (from 16.8% to 21.3%), graft failure (from 16.4% to 19.1%) and Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (from 12.8% to 16.7%) all increased significantly (P<0.05), while those for keratoconus decreased significantly (from 35.6% to 27.3%; P<0.001). In 2007-2011, the proportion of PK decreased significantly (from 92.4% to 57.2%; P<0.001) while that of EK and DALK went from 0.4% to 30.2% (P<0.001) and from 7.2% to 12.6% (P<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: During 2002-2011 the number of interventions increased significantly for corneal endothelial diseases and graft failure. The growing demand for interventions for these diseases corresponded to the widespread adoption of EK techniques. The use of DALK also increased, but more moderately than EK procedures.     

Corneal endothelium after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: a four-year comparative study

Purpose:

To compare the status of corneal endothelium and central corneal thickness within the first four postoperative years after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with keratoconus.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-nine eyes (Group A) which had PK and 44 eyes (Group B) which had DALK for the treatment of keratoconus were included in this retrospective study. The endothelial cell density (ECD), the mean endothelial cell area and the coefficient of variation of cell area were assessed with a non-contact specular microscope, and the central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with an ultrasound pachymeter.

Results:

Mean ECD loss rate at two years was 36.24% in Group A and 18.12% in Group B (P<0.001). Mean ECD loss rate at four years was 47.82% in Group A and 21.62% in Group B (P<0.001). Mean annual ECD loss rate was calculated 14.12% per year in Group A and 5.78% per year in Group B. In the PK group, increase in mean CCT was 15.60% in two years and 15.03% in four years, while in the DALK group, mean CCT increased by 8.05% in two years and 9.31% in four years.

Conclusions:

As the majority of ectatic disorders such as keratoconus occur in young people, long-term endothelial cell survival following treatment with keratoplasty is essential for the long-term visual ability. Our finding that corneal endothelial cell loss in the DALK group occurs at a slower rate than in the PK group suggests DALK as a safer alternative to PK in these selected patients.     

Endothelial keratoplasty: historical perspectives, current techniques, future directions

Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has recently emerged as an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for patients with endothelial diseases, including Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, and corneal graft failure. EK provides distinct advantages over PK, in that it is a less invasive procedure and leads to more rapid recovery of vision. Additionally, this procedure does not require long-term corneal sutures, eliminating problems with suture breakage, suture abscesses, astigmatism, and wound dehiscence. Disadvantages of EK include the need for specially prepared donor tissue and additional surgeon training or experience. In this review we discuss the history of EK, recent advances that have led to its widespread use, limits and complications of the procedure, and areas for future improvement.     

Evidence-Based Endothelial Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has replaced penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) as the preferred surgical therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, recent nationwide corneal graft registry data showed few advantages to EK relative to PKP with respect to graft survival and visual outcomes. This article compares the published outcomes and complications of EK to those of PKP. EK demonstrates superior spectacle corrected visual outcomes, fast recovery, less graft rejection, and higher patient satisfaction, particularly in studies performed by high-volume surgeons/centers. Endothelial cell loss in EK, while higher at early time points, was equivalent or superior at five-years’ follow-up and graft survival was equivalent to or superior to PKP in these centers/studies. Continued standardization and simplification of EK procedures may allow surgeons who perform a lower volume of EK to achieve results that mirror those of high-volume centers/surgeons and close the potential gap in outcomes demonstrated in the registry data.     

Indications for penetrating keratoplasty and anterior lamellar keratoplasty during 2010-2017

AIM: To review the indications of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) at Qingdao Eye Hospital, Shandong Eye Institute, Qingdao, China, from 2010 to 2017. METHODS: The data of all patients undergoing PK or ALK from January 2010 to December 2017 was retrospectively reviewed, with the indications during 2010-2013 and 2014-2017 compared. RESULTS: A total of 1869 eyes were included, among which 1405 eyes (75.2%) had PK and 464 eyes (24.8%) had ALK. The leading indications were suppurative keratitis (36.8%), keratoconus (15.5%), herpes keratitis (13.1%), and regraft (10.5%). In eyes undergoing PK, the top four indications were suppurative keratitis (38.7%), herpes keratitis (15.3%), keratoconus (12.6%), and regraft (12.5%) during 2014-2017, with the proportion of suppurative keratitis and herpes keratitis decreased while regraft and keratoconus increased compared with 2010-2013. In eyes with ALK, suppurative keratitis (30.8%), keratoconus (24.1%), corneal dystrophies and degenerations (10.6%), and corneal dermoid tumor (9.7%) were the top four indications, and there was no significant difference for the proportion of each indication between 2010-2013 and 2014-2017. CONCLUSION: Suppurative keratitis is the most common indication for PK and ALK at Qingdao Eye Hospital during 2010-2017, followed by keratoconus, herpes keratitis, and regraft. In eyes treated with PK, the proportion of suppurative keratitis and herpes keratitis decrease while regraft and keratoconus increase during 2014-2017 compared with 2010-2013.     

Longterm follow‐up of penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus

Purpose: This study aims to describe the current visual and refractive status of patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus > 20 years ago and to report on the current status of their grafts. Methods: A total of 138 eyes in 103 patients were grafted for keratoconus between August 1968 and December 1985. Patients who had not undergone retransplantation were invited to attend a clinical examination. Forty‐eight patients (with 61 grafts) accepted the invitation and were examined. Results: The average length of time since PK was 26.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 4.2 years, range 20.8–38.0 years, n = 61). The average graft age at examination was 82.1 years (SD 19.9 years, range 41–115 years). A total of 80% (49 of 61 grafts) of the examined eyes had a clear graft and 46% (28 of 61 eyes) had best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) ≥ 0.5. The mean endothelial cell density per mm² was 894 (SD 4.6, range 470–1775). The mean central corneal thickness of the clear grafts was 0.565 mm (SD 0.048 mm). Conclusions: Penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus has a good longterm prognosis; half of the eyes examined in this study had BSCVA ≥ 0.5 at > 20 years after surgery.     

对疑为眼内炎患者房水玻璃体细菌培养结果的临床分析

目的 探讨眼内炎患者房水玻璃体培养细菌菌属的分布特点及其变化规律。 方法 对10年（1989～1998）间培养的522份眼内炎患者的房水玻璃体标本革兰氏染色，培养阳性细菌菌属分布及其变化规律进行回顾性分析。 结果 细菌培养标本522份（房水261份，玻璃体261份），培养阳性菌共119株（房水44株，玻璃体75株），平均培养阳性率为22.8%（房水阳性率为16.9%,玻璃体阳性率为28.7%）。培养阳性菌中，革兰氏阳性（G+）球菌54株占45.4%，G+杆菌24株，占20.2%，革兰氏阴性（G-）杆菌41株占34.5%。肠杆菌科比例最高占18.5%，其次为微球菌占16%，凝固酶阴性葡萄球菌占12.6%，假单胞属占10.9%。前后5年的比较结果显示，G+球菌的百分比变化不大，G+杆菌下降了13.9%，G-杆菌阳性增长了11.7%。 结论 G+球菌与G-杆菌仍是导致细菌性眼内炎主要菌属，后者比例近5年升高，这些变化应在临床诊治细菌性眼内炎时引起注意。 (中华眼底病杂志, 2002, 18: 104-105)     

Results of Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty

Purpose By a retrospective study of patients in the Ankara Hospital Eye Clinic, to determine the anatomical and visual results of therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and its role in the management of corneal disease.Methods Therapeutic PK was performed in 36 patients (37 eyes) who had corneal perforation due to corneal disease (23 eyes) or eyes in which perforation was imminent (14 eyes). Initial indications for grafting were nonperforated descemetocele without inflammation (six eyes, 16.2%); nonperforated bacterial corneal ulcer (five eyes, 13.5%); nonperforated herpetic keratitis with active stromal inflammation (two eyes, 5.4%); acanthamoeba keratitis (one eye, 2.7%); perforation due to herpetic keratitis (13 eyes, 35.2%); perforation due to persistent epithelial defect (8 eyes, 21.6%); or perforation due to bacterial corneal ulcer (two eyes; 5.4%). The results were evaluated for each of the following criteria: anatomical integrity of the eye, cure of the disease, complications, graft clarity, and visual acuity.Results Anatomical integrity was achieved in 21 of the 23 eyes (91.3%) perforated from corneal disease. Therapeutic PK cured the disease in all bacterial keratitis cases. The proportion of clear grafts was 60.9% in the 23 eyes perforated from corneal disease, and 57.1% in the 14 eyes in which perforation was imminent. Fifteen eyes (40.5%) obtained a final visual acuity of 20/100 or better; five of these eyes were not yet perforated before the PK.Conclusions Therapeutic PK is effective in the management of the eye with active uncontrolled infection or perforation from corneal disease. Approximately half of our patients maintained a clear graft at the last visit. Without therapeutic surgery, these eyes would have been lost. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2004;48:368–371 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2004     

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo para desarrollar hipertensión ocular y glaucoma posterior a queratoplastia penetrante

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and factors associated with the development of ocular hypertension and glaucoma, in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty, in the Eye Clinic of the city of Bogotá.MethodA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and 130 eyes of patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty were analyzed at the Eye Clinic in Bogotá, between January 2015 and August 2018. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and it was determined by bivariate analysis, the association factors and the prevalence of the pathology under study.ResultsPrevalence of ocular hypertension was 27.69% and glaucoma 10%. Average age 48.93 ± 18.63 years; higher frequency of presentation in men (61.5%). Statistically significant association factors were male sex (PR 2.59), presence of peripheral anterior synechiae (PR 1.83), history of trauma (PR 2.16), prior PK (PR 2.10) and graft failure (PR 2.04). Post-KP glaucoma only had statistically significant association with bullous keratopathy (PR 2.76).ConclusionsOcular hypertension and glaucoma had a high prevalence after penetrating keratoplasty, and the association factors were similar to those reported in other international studies. Knowing these factors, allows focusing surveillance and treatment in these patients to avoid blindness due to damage of the optic nerve or corneal graft.     

Outcomes of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose: To report the results of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) for failed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods: Twenty‐seven eyes of 27 patients undergoing DSEK for failed therapeutic PK were analysed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36 ± 13.9 years (range: 14–70 years). The median size of the therapeutic graft was 10 mm (inter‐quartile range; IQR 9.5–11 mm). Descemet’s membrane stripping was performed in all eyes. Graft clarity was achieved in 20/27 eyes. Six eyes had primary graft failure, and one had interface keratitis in the early postoperative period. In all eyes with primary graft failure, there was progressive stromal vascularization, which led to haziness in the graft. Late postoperative complications were rejection in four eyes, infection in two eyes, secondary graft failure in one eye and vortex keratopathy in one eye. Graft size was found to be a significant risk factor for graft rejection in this series. At the last follow‐up visit, the best‐corrected visual acuity was ≥20/40 in 5/27 eyes (18.5%), 20/60–20/40 in 12/27 eyes (44.4%), 20/100–20/60 in 3/27 eyes (1.5%) and ≤20/200 in 7/27 eyes (25.9%). Conclusions: Considering the limited success of repeat PK in failed large therapeutic keratoplasty, DSEK is a viable option for visual rehabilitation in these eyes, however; visual acuity may be limited due to sub‐epithelial/stromal or interface scarring.     

Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanical Properties Following Penetrating Keratoplasty Using the Ocular Response Analyzer

Purpose

To evaluate corneal biomechanical properties in eyes that had previously undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PK) using the ocular response analyzer (ORA).

Methods

We recruited 26 patients who had received unilateral PK. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and cornea-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured with the ORA and were compared to the measurements from the contralateral eyes that did not undergo PK.

Results

The CH was 8.95±2.59 mmHg in eyes that underwent PK and 9.78±1.45 mmHg in the contralateral eyes that did not undergo PK (p=0.077). The CRF was 10.26±2.64 mmHg in post-PK eyes and 9.75±1.45 mmHg in the contralateral eyes (p=0.509), and the CH-CRF was significantly smaller in post-PK eyes (-1.31±2.32 mmHg in post-PK eyes vs. 0.03±0.88 mmHg in fellow eyes, p=0.016). The IOPg and IOPcc were significantly higher in the PK group than they were in the control group. The IOPcc''s were 20.81±7.81 mmHg and 16.27±2.49 mmHg in post-PK and control eyes, respectively (p=0.011); and the IOPg''s were 19.22±7.34 mmHg and 15.07±3.03 mmHg in post-PK and control eyes, respectively (p=0.019). The IOPcc-g''s were 1.59±2.81 mmHg and 1.21±1.30 mmHg in post-PK and control eyes, respectively (p=0.412), and the central corneal thickness (CCT)''s were 489.11±90.60 µm and 556.24±42.84 µm in post-PK and control eyes, respectively (p=0.068).

Conclusions

Following PK, CH tended to decrease while CRF tended to increase, significantly decreasing CH-CRF. A significantly higher intraocular pressure and a thinner CCT following PK may have contributed to the observed changes in these corneal biomechanical parameters.     

Endothelial keratoplasty – a review

From its inception over a century ago, penetrating keratoplasty grew to become the most common and most successful form of solid tissue transplantation. Yet clinicians have long recognized the limitations of full‐thickness corneal transplants, including prolonged visual rehabilitation, unpredictable refractive changes, susceptibility to ocular surface complications and vulnerability to traumatic wound rupture. Selective replacement of diseased or damaged posterior corneal layers was conceptualized and implemented a half century ago. However, it has only been within the past decade that improved techniques and instrumentation have allowed endothelial keratoplasty (EK) to become the preferred treatment for patients with endothelial dysfunction. EK provides more rapid visual recovery, minimizes induced astigmatism and, most importantly, better maintains globe integrity than penetrating keratoplasty. Descemet stripping automated EK is currently the most widely used method. This article covers how EK techniques have evolved over time, considers who is or is not an appropriate candidate for EK, describes Descemet stripping automated EK methods and instrumentation, discusses EK postoperative complications and management and compares visual recovery, refractive outcomes and endothelial cell loss with that of standard penetrating keratoplasty.     

Long-term outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus:analysis of the factors associated with final visual acuities

AIM: To investigate the long-term results of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with keratoconus (KC) and to evaluate factors that might influence the final visual outcome.METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients with clinical KC who had undergone PK by a single corneal surgeon in a single center from May 1980 to December 2005. The age of the patients, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal thickness, death to preservation time, and preservation to transplantation time were recorded. Additionally, postoperative complications such as graft rejection, development of glaucoma and specular microscopy were checked during the follow-up.RESULTS:Sixty-nine eyes from 69 patients were finally included. The follow-up period was 8.64±6.13y. Graft rejection occurred in 4 eyes of 69 cases (5.8%), and the time to graft rejection was 2.1±1.3y. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the estimated cumulative probability of graft rejection at 6, 13, and 17y after PK were 95.6%, 90.0%, and 78.8%, respectively. When we evaluated factors that might influence final BCVA in eyes, no disparity donor-host trephine size (same graft size) as well as higher spherical equivalent, and average K-value were associated with higher final BCVA. (P=0.006, 0.051, 0.092, and 0.021 in eyes with follow-up <8y; P=0.068, 0.065, and 0.030 in eyes with follow-up ≥8y, respectively).CONCLUSION: The long-term results of PK in patients with KC were favorable with a high percentage of good BCVA. Less myopic change and low average K-reading, as well as a surgical technique using the same size donor-recipient button may provide better visual outcomes particularly in patients with KC.     

穿透性角膜移植150例的临床研究

目的：探讨穿透性角膜移植的主要病因、疗效及并发症。 方法：回顾性分析2011-01/2013-06于我院行穿透性角膜移植术的患者150例150眼。 结果：病因：角膜白斑99眼（66%）,角膜变性18眼（12%）,角膜溃疡15眼（10%）,角膜内皮失代偿10眼（6.7%）,圆锥角膜8眼（5.3%）。疗效：植片透明110例（73.3%）。视力≤0.05者42例（28%）,0.05〈视力≤0.3者60例（40%）,视力〉0.3者48例（32%）。并发症：主要并发症为免疫排斥反应28例（18.7%）。 结论：穿透性角膜移植是治疗角膜疾病致盲的重要有效手段,但术后排斥反应仍是影响手术成功的主要因素。     

角膜内皮移植治疗穿透性角膜移植术后植片失代偿的长期疗效观察

目的 观察角膜内皮移植手术（EK）治疗穿透性角膜移植术（PKP）后植片失代偿的长期临床效果。设计 回顾性病例系列。 研究对象 选取2008至2010年爱尔眼科医院收治的接受PKP术后植片内皮失代偿的患者6例（6眼）。 方法 对上述患者实施EK手术,对患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。记录并分析患者术后视力、眼压、内皮细胞密度、排斥反应及并发症等。平均随访时间为（36.17±10.11）个月。主要指标  视力、眼压、内皮细胞密度、排斥反应及并发症。结果 术后所有患者植片均恢复透明,视力较前有不同程度提高,症状缓解。末次随访时,1例患者角膜失代偿,其余5例内皮细胞密度从986~1914个/mm2。随访期内,1例术后1天发生植片半脱位,经再次前房注气后贴附良好;1例术后5个月发生免疫排斥反应,经药物治疗植片保持透明;另1例患者未规律随诊,内皮移植术后26个月时发生排斥反应,导致失代偿。结论 对于反复发生免疫排斥反应导致植片混浊的高危患者,角膜内皮移植手术是可供选择的治疗方法。     

DLK与PK治疗圆锥角膜的疗效观察

目的对深板层角膜移植术(DLK)和穿透性角膜移植术(PK)两种术式治疗圆锥角膜的疗效进行比较。方法将我院2001-2004临床诊断明确的圆锥角膜患者47人(58眼)随机分为2组,分别行深板层角膜移植术(25人,30眼,平均年龄28.6岁,平均术后随访时间28个月)和穿透性角膜移植术(22人,28眼,平均年龄31岁,平均术后随访时间36个月)。术前检查两组患者视力并验光,术后分析最佳矫正视力、屈光度变化和并发症。结果两组患者术后的视力变化无统计学差别(P>0.05),2组术后均表现为轻度近视,但深板层角膜移植组近视较重;2组平均散光均低于5.00DC;深板层角膜移植组排斥反应的发生较穿透性角膜移植组低(P<0.05)。结论深板层角膜移植术比穿透性角膜移植术并发症少,它能减少内皮型排斥反应的发生,且术后最佳矫正视力、屈光度与穿透性角膜移植术近似,手术失败的发生率低,穿透性角膜移植术不再是治疗圆锥角膜的首选术式。     

Corneal graft survival after therapeutic keratoplasty for Acanthamoeba keratitis

Purpose: To describe corneal graft survival and visual outcome after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) that is unresponsive to clinical treatment. Methods: Retrospective study. Thirty‐two patients with AK who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (tPK) from August 1996 to August 2005 were included. Data relating to clinical features, visual acuity, surgical technique, graft survival and complications were collected. Graft survival was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method and comparisons were performed using the Log‐rank test. Results: Most patients (62.5%) were female. Mean age [± standard deviation (SD)] was 35 (± 13) years (range 15–68 years). All patients were contact lens wearers. Eighteen patients (56%) presented paralytic mydriasis and glaucoma during the treatment. Thirteen patients (40%) developed glaucoma after surgery; eight of them (61%) required a second PK because of graft failure. Of the 32 keratoplasty eyes, 56.2% presented graft failure at any follow‐up point . Forty‐five per cent of graft failures occurred before the 12 month follow‐up, so 55% remained clear in the first year after surgery. Twelve patients underwent a second PK; seven of them failed and 45% were clear at 1 year. Two patients presented graft recurrence of amoebic infection. There was no significant difference in graft survival when eyes with or without mydriasis were compared (P = 0.40). Eyes with glaucoma presented a significantly shorter graft survival (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Penetrating keratoplasty is a treatment option for eyes that are unresponsive to clinical treatment infections. However, graft survival is poor; postoperative glaucoma is frequent and is associated with shorter graft survival.     

Mushroom keratoplasty in pediatric patients

Objective

To report the outcome of mushroom keratoplasty for the treatment of full thickness corneal disease in pediatric patients with healthy endothelium.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients who underwent mushroom keratoplasty. The medical records of pediatric patients suffering from full thickness corneal stromal disease with normal endothelium who underwent mushroom keratoplasty at our Institution were included. A two-piece donor graft consisting of a large anterior stromal lamella (9.0 mm in diameter and ±250 μm in thickness) and a small posterior lamella (5–6.5 mm in diameter) including deep stroma and endothelium, prepared with the aid of a microkeratome had been transplanted in all cases. Ophthalmic examination including slit lamp examination, best corrected visual acuity, and corneal topography was performed preoperatively and at each postoperative visit on all patients. The endothelial cells were assessed by specular microscopy in these patients.

Results

Six eyes of six patients (five males and one female) were included. The mean age was 9.3 years (range 5–15 years). Average follow-up was 17.8 months (range 9–48 months).There were no early or late complications recorded. All corneas were clear at the last follow up visit.Preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was worse than 20/70 in all six eyes. Postoperatively, four eyes achieved BCVA of 20/40 or better.Endothelial cell loss (n eyes = 3 averaged 24% (range 19–31%). The mean endothelial cell loss was 24% (range 19–31%) among these patients.

Conclusions

Microkeratome assisted mushroom keratoplasty is a viable surgical option for pediatric eyes with full thickness corneal stromal disease and healthy endothelium. Mushroom keratoplasty combines the refractive advantage of a large penetrating keratoplasty with the survival advantage of a small penetrating keratoplasty. Furthermore, mushroom keratoplasty exhibits the mechanical advantage of a shaped keratoplasty.