Combined phacoemulsification and penetrating keratoplasty

To highlight indications, technique, and advantages of closed-chamber phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during penetrating keratoplasty for corneal opacities. Case reports of 2 patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification, IOL implantation and penetrating keratoplasty. The technique described allowed controlled capsulorrhexis, cataract removal and in-the-bag IOL implantation. Complications due to increased posterior pressure during open-sky extracapsular cataract were not encountered. The surgical technique described in this report can only be used in selected patients undergoing combined corneal transplant and cataract surgery. In this group of patients, however, the technique offers many intra- and postoperative advantages.