Long Term Outcomes of Combined Penetrating Keratoplasty with Iris Sutured Intraocular Lens Implantation

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of combined penetrating keratoplasty with iris sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Methods: Medical records of patients with aphakic or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, who underwent a penetrating keratoplasty combined with iris sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, performed by a single surgeon, were reviewed retrospectively. Data were analyzed using a customized software. Graft survival rate, visual acuity, and intra- and post-operative complications were assessed. Results: Two-hundred and fifty-two consecutive patients (264 eyes) were operated, during a period of 10 years (1989 to 1999). Graft survival rates were 89% at 2 years and 81% at 5 years, and were comparable to the results of previous corneal transplant studies. Among 180 patients (191 eyes) with a follow-up of at least 2 years (range; 2 to11 years, mean 5 years) the visual acuity at final follow-up visit, compared to preoperative visual acuity was improved in 72% of eyes (mean preoperative visual acuity, 20/250; mean post-operative visual acuity, 20/60). No intra-operative complications were encountered. Conclusions: Combined penetrating keratoplasty with iris sutured posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation offers significant regaining of vision in this patient group.

Keywords: anterior segment • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: out • cornea: clinical science