Penetrating keratoplasty combined with cataract extraction

The authors report the results of penetrating keratoplasty combined with cataract extraction in 50 cases. The rate of transparent grafts was 62% after an average follow-up of 19 months. 60% of the patients restored their vision to 0.1 and better. The rate of transparent grafts and visual improvement did not correlate with the mode of cataract extraction; however, the extracapsular procedure had less vitreous during operation than the intracapsular modality did. The authors recommend that the combined operation be adopted for patients with corneal opacity and cataract, and preferably using the extracapsular mode.