Abstract
Purpose:
To investigate the effect of tectonic graft using preserved human scleral tissue for the urgent treatment of corneal perforations caused by infectious corneal ulcer
Methods:
Eyes with intractable infectious keratitis which developed corneal perforation larger than 2mm were surgically treated with a urgent tectonic graft using preserved human scleral tissue. Subsequent penetrating keratoplasty were performed and evaluated more than 12 months.
Results:
In our study, 5 eyes had bacterial keratitis, 3 eyes had fungal keratitis, and 2 eyes had herpes simplex keratitis. After the initial graft, anatomical success was achieved in 8 eyes. In two eyes a graft melting was developed secondary to delayed epithelial healing. Visual acuity was improved in 6 eyes that received subsequent penetrating keratoplasty and no rejection was developed during the follow-up period of more than 12 months.
Conclusions:
This study showed that tectonic graft using preserved human scleral tissue is useful method for urgent purpose in acutely perforated corneal ulcer. To enhance the anatomical success of the graft, the healing of the overlying epithelium over the sclera is essential.
Keywords: 479 cornea: clinical science •
741 transplantation •
708 sclera