The prognosis for keratoplasty in keratoconus.
The long-term results in 326 eyes grafted for phakic keratoconus by the same surgeon were reviewed. All consecutive grafts performed for this disease with a minimum of five-year follow-up were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 11.3 years, with a range of 5 to 34 years. Ninety percent of grafts remained clear, 3% were nebulous but retained 20/40 vision, and 7% failed. Donor age was available for 188 of the 326 grafts. No relationship was found between donor age and long-term graft clarity even when older (more than 70 years) donor tissue was used. The visual acuity was measured with the patient's preferred optical device worn daily. Seventy-three percent of eyes achieved 20/40 or better vision after their initial graft.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006084:Graft Rejection; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014792:Visual Acuity