Penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prognosis of penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis.


METHODS
The medical records of all patients with keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis who underwent penetrating keratoplasty at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 1996 and for whom at least 24 months' follow-up is available were analyzed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Of 85 (61 males, 24 females) patients, 90 eyes met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up was 44.7 (range, 26-144) months. At the most recent follow-up visit, 83 (92.2%) grafts were clear. The mean best corrected visual acuity was 20/40. Graft rejection episodes occurred in 12 (13.3%) eyes, with irreversible graft failure occurring in 4 (4.4%) eyes. Bacterial keratitis occurred in 6 (7.7%) eyes, 2 (2.2%) of which developed irreversible graft failure. Herpes simplex keratitis resulted in irreversible graft failure in 1 (1.1%) eye.


CONCLUSIONS
Penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with keratoconus and vernal keratoconjunctivitis has an excellent visual outcome and a low complication rate.
Mahmood
M A
MA
Department of Ophthalmology, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Wagoner
M D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity