Repeat Lamellar Keratoplasty Treatment for Positive Rim Lamellar Keratoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Positive rim cultures after corneal transplantation are a significant risk factor for developing fungal keratitis.
• Fungal keratitis in corneal grafts presents a management challenge with various treatment modalities explored.
• Candida glabrata is a potential causative agent of fungal keratitis in post-keratoplasty cases.

Approach:

• This case report details the clinical presentation and management of fungal keratitis with a positive rim culture post-lamellar keratoplasty (LKP).
• The study focuses on repeat LKP as a therapeutic strategy for this specific complication.
• A comprehensive review of the literature on managing fungal keratitis in corneal grafts was conducted.

Key Points:

• Repeat lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) was employed as a treatment for a positive rim culture of Candida glabrata following a previous corneal graft.
• The positive rim finding is recognized as a substantial risk factor for fungal keratitis development.
• The clinical findings, management strategy, and surgical technique are described.

Conclusions:

• Repeat LKP can be an effective surgical option for managing fungal keratitis with positive rim cultures in corneal grafts.
• This case highlights a successful intervention for a known risk factor of graft infection.
• Further investigation into optimal management strategies for fungal keratitis post-keratoplasty is warranted.