Corneal transplantation in microphthalmic eyes

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Microphthalmia is a congenital condition characterized by abnormally small eyes.
• Corneal opacity can significantly impair vision in infants and children with microphthalmia.
• Limited treatment options exist for visual rehabilitation in such cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of corneal transplantation in microphthalmic eyes.
• To assess graft survival and visual outcomes following keratoplasty in a pediatric population.
• To identify potential complications associated with corneal transplantation in small eyes.

Main Methods:

• Corneal transplantation was performed in nine microphthalmic eyes across five pediatric patients.
• Patient age ranged from 1 to 63 months, with eye diameters between 12.5 and 16 mm.
• Surgical outcomes, graft clarity, and visual development were monitored post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Seven out of nine corneal grafts remained clear post-transplantation.
• No cases of graft rejection were explicitly mentioned, but graft clarity was maintained.
• Vision development was observed in all eyes that underwent the procedure.
• Complications included superficial epithelial erosions, scarring, glaucoma, and suture microabscesses.

Conclusions:

• Corneal transplantation is a viable option for visual rehabilitation in microphthalmic eyes.
• Successful graft survival and vision development can be achieved despite surgical challenges.
• Careful surgical technique and post-operative management are crucial to mitigate complications.