Simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction and artificial lens implantation ("triple procedure") 1981-1987

Between June 1981 and March 1987, the authors performed simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation in 90 eyes. The main indications were Fuchs's corneal endothelial dystrophy (38 cases), corneal cicatrization (33 cases) and corneal or scleral perforation (7 cases). Extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in 82 patients. The posterior capsule ruptured in nine eyes, necessitating an anterior vitrectomy in four of them. The corneal transplant was rejected in nine eyes (10%). The mean preoperative visual acuity of 9/100 in 89 patients improved to 39/100 six months after surgery in 59 patients who were followed up and to 50/100 in the 29 patients with Fuchs's corneal dystrophy. The authors believe that in cases presenting with both cataract and medically uncontrollable corneal disease, simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty with extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber lens represents the treatment of choice.