Keratometry Measurements Following Penetrating Keratoplasty

Abstract

Purpose:: To compare multiple preoperative and postoperative keratometry measurements following one surgeon’s penetrating keratoplasty surgeries in order to improve future patient outcomes.Introduction: Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) has existed for nearly a century with multiple different techniques for both host-donor corneal graft sizes and suture closing techniques. While the procedure has proven highly successful for multiple disease processes including keratoconus, complications secondary to herpetic keratitis, and neurotrophic keratopathy, few studies exist showing post-operative results of keratometry (a key management tool during post-op period).

Methods:: A systematic review of 26 patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty under the guidance of Dr. Charles Bouchard from the time period of 1996-2006 is to be undertaken. No patient identifiers will be included in the analysis. Information to be evaluated from the charts includes pre-operative keratometry values using both auto keratometry and OrbScan technology for topography. Both corneal button size removed from host and corneal graft size will be recorded from surgical data. Finally, Auto Keratometry and OrbScan results from post-op period from 5-12 months and greater than one year will be recorded. In particular, comparisons between graft-host disparity and average keratometry results will be evaluated.

Results:: Average Keratometry results combining both AutoKeratometry and OrbScan results for the following graft-host disparities were as follows; 7.75 to 7.5 at 5-12 mon. equals 43.39, at >12 mon equals 45.375 (n=4), 7.75 to 7.75 at 5-12 mon equals 45.91, at >12 mon equals 46.11 (n=5), 8.0 to 7.75 at 5-12 mon equals 44.71, at >12 mon equals 43.15 (n=3), 8.0 to 8.0 at 5-12 mon equals 42.77, at >12 mon equals 44.23 (n=4), 8.25 to 8.0 at 5-12 mon equals 41.16, at >12 mon equals 42.685 (n=4), 8.5 to 8.5 at 5-12 mon equals 43.68, at >12 mon equals 43.33 (n=2).

Conclusions:: Graft-host disparity in corneal transplant surgery has no appreciable effect on corneal keratometry readings.

Keywords: cornea: clinical science • transplantation