PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY IN HIGH RISK CASES

Penetrating Keratoplasty in high risk cases like paediatric patients, complicated cases of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, or in patients with highly vascularized corneal opacities have been a challenge for opthalmologists because of the poor outcome. 101 patients with such high risk indications underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Some of them also underwent concurrent procedures like PC IOL implantation or vitrectomy. The patients' follow up period ranged from six months to four years. The results were evaluated. Good quality donor material, good intraoperative tissue handling, aggressive and meticulous postoperative management contributed to gratifying results. However chemical injuries and patients with dry eyes continued to have a bad prognosis and keratoplasty in these cases proved to be unrewarding.