Factors associated with the need for penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

This study was designed to identify factors that may help to determine the likelihood of a patient with keratoconus undergoing a penetrating keratoplasty (PK) after referral to a cornea service.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review of 109 patients from a corneal referral practice was undertaken to identify clinical characteristics at presentation that were predictive of subsequent PK.

RESULTS:

Overall, during an average follow-up of 10.9 years, 39 (35.8%) did not have a PK for keratoconus in either eye, 34 (31.2%) had a PK in one eye, and 36 (33.0%) had a PK in both eyes. The presence of corneal scarring and steep keratometry values were significant risk factors for subsequent PK.

CONCLUSION:

In a corneal referral practice, 64.2% of patients go on to PK in one or both eyes during long-term follow-up. The presence of scarring and high keratometry values at initial presentation may help to predict the likelihood of requiring a PK and may aid in patient counseling.

• Authors: William A Sray, Elisabeth J Cohen, Christopher J Rapuano, Peter R Laibson
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 21 Issue 8 Pg. 784-6 (Nov 2002) ISSN: 0277-3740 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12410037 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Cornea (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Keratoconus (surgery)
• Keratoplasty, Penetrating
• Likelihood Functions
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Visual Acuity