Long term results of corneal grafting in keratoconus

Fifty-four corneal grafts in 45 keratoconus patients have been followed for 3 to 12 years (average 5.8 years). The corneal clarity, visual acuity, incidence of immune rejections, relation to HLA compatibility, corneal thickness and endothelial cell density are reported. At the follow-up 98% (53 out of 54) of the grafts were clear. Visual acuity was greater than or equal to 0.67 in 72% of the cases. Suboptimal vision was due to cataract or large astigmatism. Rejection had occurred in 5 cases (10%). The graft thickness was found to decrease steadily, reaching subnormal values about 1/2 year after the operation. Six years after grafting, however, the thickness did not differ from that of normal corneas. The endothelial cell density in uncomplicated cases ranged from 450 to 3000 cells/mm2, decreasing with length of post-operative period. The HLA compatibility could not be shown to influence the endothelial cell density.