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Epikeratophakia on pediatric traumatized corneas.
A A Vila-Coro1, J D Goosey, M L Mazow
1Hermann Eye Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77030-1697.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Epikeratophakia successfully restored vision in four young children with unilateral aphakia and corneal scarring from penetrating injuries. This procedure offers a viable treatment option for improving visual acuity in pediatric eyes with damaged corneas.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Unilateral aphakia and corneal scarring in children, often resulting from penetrating injuries, present significant visual impairment challenges.
- Traditional treatments may be limited by the extent of corneal opacity and scarring, necessitating alternative surgical approaches.
Observation:
- Four pediatric patients (ages 4-6) with unilateral aphakia and corneal scarring underwent epikeratophakia using non-lyophilized donor tissue.
- One patient also received a rotational penetrating keratoplasty to reposition the corneal scar before epikeratophakia.
Findings:
- The epikeratophakia procedure was successful in all four pediatric cases.
- The average best-corrected postoperative visual acuity achieved was 20/45.
- The study demonstrated successful outcomes even with partially opaque and scarred corneas.
Implications:
- Epikeratophakia is a safe and effective surgical option for treating pediatric aphakia with corneal scarring.
- These findings support the use of epikeratophakia in cases where corneal opacity compromises vision.
- The procedure holds promise for improving visual function in children with complex ocular injuries.