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Published on: September 17, 2014
Penetrating keratoplasty in children
1L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. murali@lvpeye.stph.net
Cornea
|April 4, 2000
Summary
Penetrating keratoplasty in children shows increasing anatomic success but less satisfactory optical outcomes. Factors like younger age and anterior vitrectomy impact graft survival, necessitating early intervention and amblyopia therapy for better visual recovery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Pediatric Eye Care
Background:
- Pediatric corneal abnormalities present unique challenges for vision restoration.
- Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a surgical option for corneal opacity in children.
- Evaluating PKP outcomes in pediatric populations is crucial for improving surgical strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the success rates of penetrating keratoplasty in children with diverse corneal conditions.
- To identify factors influencing graft survival and visual outcomes in pediatric corneal transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 154 PKPs in 140 children (≤14 years) at L.V. Prasad Eye Institute.
- Categorization of corneal pathologies into congenital, acquired nontraumatic, and acquired traumatic.
- Evaluation of anatomic and optical success, with follow-up up to 5 years.
Main Results:
- Overall graft clarity was 66.2% (102/154 eyes).
- Clear grafts were achieved in 63.8% (congenital), 54.5% (traumatic), and 70.6% (nontraumatic) of eyes.
- Graft failure was linked to younger age (<5 years) and anterior vitrectomy; common causes included rejection, infectious keratitis, and glaucoma.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric keratoplasty demonstrates improving anatomic success but suboptimal optical results.
- Early surgical intervention and aggressive amblyopia management are vital for visual rehabilitation.
- Further research is needed to enhance optical success in pediatric corneal transplantation.
