Delayed epithelial healing after keratoplasty for lattice corneal dystrophy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the time necessary for complete epithelial healing after penetrating keratoplasty carried out for various corneal dystrophies.


METHODS
In a retrospective single-center study, 679 eyes that underwent nonmechanical keratoplasty were evaluated concerning postoperative epithelial healing time. On the basis of corneal pathology, the eyes were divided into 5 groups: group 1, lattice dystrophy (n = 9); group 2, macular dystrophy (n = 16); group 3, Fuchs dystrophy (n = 207); group 4, granular dystrophy (n = 13); group 5, keratoconus (n = 434). After keratoplasty, the time necessary for complete healing of the epithelial defect was compared among the groups.


RESULTS
In lattice dystrophy, 22% showed delayed healing, in contrast to 0% in granular dystrophy. Mean time necessary for healing in group 1 (8.8 +/- 9.4 days) was significantly longer than in group 2 (2.5 +/- 2.5 days, P = 0.003), group 3 (4.4 +/- 4.1 days, P = 0.09), group 4 (2.2 +/- 1.4 days, P = 0.003), and group 5 (3.1 +/- 2.7 days, P = 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with lattice dystrophy, delayed epithelial healing after penetrating keratoplasty may be anticipated. Patients should be counseled accordingly.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Erlangen-Nuernberg, Erlangen, Germany. foerstercg@web.de
Claudia G
CG
Foerster
Achim
A
Langenbucher
Claus
C
Cursiefen
Friedrich E
FE
Kruse
Berthold
B
Seitz
D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*