Hydrophilic contact lenses for wound stabilization in keratoplasty

Hydrophilic contact lenses may be used in selected cases in which penetrating keratoplasty is complicated by partial wound dehiscence and anterior slippage of the donor tissue. We report five cases and describe a technique in which, rather than resuturing, a soft contact lens is used as a corneal stent to realign the graft-host interface. This technique allows for non-surgical correction of a potentially serious complication, with preservation of good vision during the treatment period. In the present series, no serious complications were encountered, and all wounds were adequately reapposed. Successful application of this technique requires appropriate patient selection and careful monitoring during the course of treatment.