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Corneal sensitivity after penetrating keratoplasty
I Tuğal Tutkun1, K Akarçay, L Közer Bilgin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Turkey.
European Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Corneal sensitivity improves over time after penetrating keratoplasty, but full recovery is rare. Most corneal transplants show some sensitivity, though complete anesthesia occurs in some cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurosurgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant) is a common procedure.
- Assessing corneal sensitivity post-transplant is crucial for evaluating graft function and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the recovery of corneal sensitivity following penetrating keratoplasty.
- To identify factors influencing sensory recovery in corneal grafts.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-one patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty were tested using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer.
- Corneal sensitivity was assessed at various postoperative intervals, ranging from two weeks to 15 years.
Main Results:
- A progressive improvement in corneal sensitivity was observed in both the graft and recipient cornea over time.
- While sensitivity improved, only one graft achieved normal central sensitivity at 24 months; 36 grafts remained anesthetic.
- Patient age, preoperative diagnosis, and graft size did not correlate with sensory recovery.
Conclusions:
- Corneal sensitivity demonstrates a gradual recovery after penetrating keratoplasty, but complete reinnervation is uncommon.
- Individual variability in the extent and timing of corneal nerve regeneration is significant.