title: Epikeratophakia for keratoconus in mentally retarded patients. The use of fresh, free-hand made lamellar grafts.
abstract: Epikeratophakia for keratoconus was done in 11 mentally retarded patients, using fresh, free-hand made lamellar grafts. The mean follow-up period was 31.5 months. The grafts remained clear and well adapted in 7 cases (63.6%). Necrosis of the lower part of the graft occurred in 3 eyes (27.3%), and was probably caused by persisting epithelial defects. Only one of these grafts had to be removed. Despite concurrent eye diseases, such as cataract and possible amblyopia, an improved overall visual function was reported in 5 of the 11 patients (45.5%). No vision-threatening complications related to the epikeratophakia surgery was found.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Bergen, Norway.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Høvding
authors: O H
authors: OH
authors: Haugen
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Bertelsen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology; D017391:Epikeratophakia; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012030:Refractive Errors; D014019:Tissue Donors; D014792:Visual Acuity