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Penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus
1Department of Ophthalmology, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, NY 10021.
Cornea
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Penetrating keratoplasty effectively treats keratoconus, restoring useful vision. This corneal transplant surgery offers better visual acuity outcomes compared to epikeratophakia for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Vision Restoration
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive thinning of the cornea, leading to irregular astigmatism and vision loss.
- Traditional treatments for keratoconus often have limitations in restoring functional vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus.
- To compare the efficacy of penetrating keratoplasty with other surgical options for keratoconus.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 86 penetrating keratoplasty procedures for keratoconus performed between 1983 and 1986.
- Standardized surgical technique involving an 8.2 mm donor cornea and 8.0 mm recipient opening.
- Continuous sutures secured under surgical keratometry control, removed at an average of 30 weeks post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Mean postoperative astigmatism was 5.4 diopters, reduced to 4.3 diopters after secondary surgery in some cases.
- Graft reactions occurred in 11.6% but were medically managed without impacting final vision.
- One month post-suture removal, 45.5% achieved 20/20, 90.7% achieved 20/30 or better, and 97.7% achieved 20/40 or better with spectacle correction.
Conclusions:
- Penetrating keratoplasty provides a high rate of visual recovery for keratoconus patients.
- The procedure offers a better chance for useful industrial acuity compared to epikeratophakia.
- Corneal transplantation is a viable and effective treatment for improving vision in keratoconus.