Abstract
Purpose: :
To report about seven eyes with corneal grafts without endothelial decompensation 20 to 43 years following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
Methods: :
In seven eyes of four patients with keratoconus a PKP had been performed 20-43 (mean 38 ± 5) years ago. Main outcome measures included: Graft clarity, endothelial cell count, pachymetry and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Results: :
None of the corneal grafts showed signs of endothelial decompensation. One eye presented with acute keratoconus at the host cornea close to the graft. Two grafts had multiple subepithelial scars, two minor predescemetal opacities and two others peripheral crocodile chagrin degeneration. Endothelial cell density in six out of seven grafts was between 735 and 1690 (mean 1018 ± 362) cells/mm2 with one graft not measurable. Typically, endothelial cells revealed moderate pleomorphism und polymegalism. Central pachymetry was between 527 und 643 (mean 591 ± 41) µm. BCVA ranged between 0.3 and 1.0 (mean 0.6 ± 0.2).
Conclusions: :
Short-term preserved corneal grafts can remain clear for an extraordinary long time given adequate ophthalmic care and follow-up. These results should be taken into account concerning the discussion about pros and cons of lameller corneal grafting techniques.
Keywords: transplantation • cornea: endothelium