Penetrating keratoplasty with small-diameter and glycerin-cryopreserved grafts for eccentric corneal perforations.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty with small-diameter and glycerin-cryopreserved grafts for eccentric corneal perforation.

METHODS:

In this retrospective consecutive case series, 15 eyes of 15 patients with eccentric corneal perforations underwent small-diameter penetrating keratoplasties with glycerin-cryopreserved grafts. The corneal grafts used in this study were 2.5-4.5 mm in size and preserved at -20 degrees C in pure glycerin for 6 months to 5 years. The donors were secured with 6-8 sutures that spared the visual axis. The follow-up ranged from 7 to 36 months. Clarity of the grafts was observed, and changes in visual acuity and keratometric astigmatism were analyzed.

RESULTS:

: Global integrity was achieved in all eyes. All grafts remained clear at the end of the follow-up time. No immune rejection was detected. No complicated cataract or secondary glaucoma was developed. The uncorrected visual acuity improved from preoperative 20/2000 approximately 20/60 to postoperative 20/40 approximately 20/20, and the best-corrected visual acuity after surgery was 20/30 or better. The mean value of keratometric astigmatism was 2.47 +/- 0.78 diopters postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Small-diameter penetrating keratoplasty seems to be effective in treating various eccentric corneal perforations. Glycerin-cryopreserved donors may be a suitable alternative to fresh material for this technique, which solves the problem of shortage in supplying corneas and can be used in an emergency.

• Authors: Weiyun Shi, Mingna Liu, Hua Gao, Suxia Li, Ting Wang, Lixin Xie
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 28 Issue 6 Pg. 631-7 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19512909 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Cryoprotective Agents
• Glycerol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Astigmatism (etiology, physiopathology)
• Child
• Cornea
• Corneal Diseases (complications, surgery)
• Corneal Injuries
• Corneal Ulcer (surgery)
• Cryopreservation
• Cryoprotective Agents
• Eye Infections, Bacterial
• Eye Infections, Fungal
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Glycerol
• Graft Survival
• Humans
• Keratitis (microbiology, surgery)
• Keratitis, Herpetic (surgery)
• Keratoplasty, Penetrating (adverse effects, methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Period
• Retrospective Studies
• Visual Acuity
• Wounds, Penetrating (complications, surgery)
• Young Adult