Open Globe Injury After Penetrating Keratoplasty: Etiology and Prognostic Factors

This study aimed to evaluate the etiologic causes and prognostic factors affecting the final outcome of patients with open globe injury after penetrating keratoplasty.

This study included patients between November 2018 and June 2024. Age, sex, intraocular pressure (mm Hg), visual acuity (logMAR), indication for keratoplasty, time since keratoplasty, cause, location, and length of injury were noted. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months after surgery.

There was a moderate positive correlation between visual acuity in the first month and the third month after trauma repair ( r =0.562, P =0.036). Final visual acuity was 1.0 logMAR or worse in high injury length patients (6 clocks or more). Patients with vitreous loss had a final visual acuity of 0.9 logMAR or worse. Of the 5 patients who underwent PK for keratoconus, 4 (80%) had visual acuity of 1.2 logMAR or worse at the third month after trauma.

In conclusion, final visual acuity is poor in patients who underwent PK due to high injury length, vitreous loss, and keratoconus. In addition, final visual acuity is associated with visual acuity in the early postoperative period. Patients undergoing PK should be informed about globe injuries, risks of visual loss, and protective precautions. Patients should also be enlightened about wound healing and encouraged to prevent trauma.