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Penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Penetrating keratoplasty significantly improves vision for keratoconus patients. While successful, postoperative complications occurred in nearly half of the cases, necessitating further treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Vision Science
Background:
- Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disease.
- Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a common surgical treatment for advanced keratoconus.
- Evaluating PKP outcomes in keratoconus is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the patient population undergoing PKP for keratoconus.
- To assess the success rate and complication profile of PKP in keratoconus patients.
- To determine visual acuity outcomes and identify factors influencing them.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of keratoconus patients who underwent PKP.
- Data collected from Singapore National Eye Centre between 1991 and 1995.
- Analysis of visual acuity, graft survival, and postoperative complications in eyes with at least 12 months follow-up.
Main Results:
- 32 PKPs performed on 32 eyes of 29 patients; 56% Indian, 72% male.
- 80% of eyes achieved improved visual acuity, 70% with best corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better.
- No graft failures; 45% experienced complications, with severe ones like retinal detachment and glaucoma impacting outcomes.
Conclusions:
- PKP is a successful treatment for keratoconus when conservative therapies fail.
- Postoperative complications are common but often manageable.
- Severe complications can lead to poor visual outcomes, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring.