Comparison of therapeutic effect between deep lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty for fungal corneal ulcer

Abstract

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) on fungal corneal ulcer. Methods This was a retrospective case series study. Seventeen eyes of 17 patients suffering from fungal corneal uncler treated in Yinzhou People's Hospital from 2004 to 2006 were analyzed, of these patients, 8 patients underwent DLKP (average 38.6 years), 9 patients underwent PKP (average 51.0 years), followed up for 12-24 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive dioptor of corneal endothelium counting and complications were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed with a x2 test or an independent samples t test. Results BCVA of both groups after the surgery were improved, the best BCVA was 1.0, difference between the two groups were without significance. The astigmatic dioptor of DLKP group were smaller than those of PKP group, difference was significant (x2=12.07, P＜0.05). The astigmatic dioptor of the both groups were less than 5.00 D. The endothelium counting showed DLKP group endothelium were more than PKP group, differences were significant at 6 months and 12 months (t=3.899, 7.618, P＜0.05). The exclusive reaction in DLKP group was less than that in PKP group, difference was significant (x2=132.26, P＜0.01). Conclusion Fungal corneal ulcer treated with DLKP results in better BCVA than PKP, less astigmatic dioptor, less complications. DLKP can reduce the occurrence of exclusive reaction of endothelium type, less failure rate. Key words: Keratoplasty, penetrating; Corneal transplantation, deep lamellar; Corneal uncler, fungal; Surgical procedure, operative