Major indications for keratoplasty in the eastern province, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the leading indications for keratoplasty in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) over a 5 years period (2005-2010) and to compare these indications with previously published studies. Materials and Methods: Records of all patients who underwent keratoplasty at different eye specialized hospitals at Eastern Province, KSA between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. For each case, the primary surgical indication was identified. Results: A total of 244 keratoplasties was performed, including 126 penetrating keratoplasties, 73 deep lamellar keratoplasties, 27 triple procedures, 6 descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasties and 4 Boston keratoprosthesis implantations. Of the 244 procedures, 222 were primary and 22 repeat keratoplasties. The leading indication for keratoplasty was keratoconus, performed in 121 eyes (49.6%), followed by bullous keratopathy (13.1%), stromal dystrophies (10.7%), regrafts (8.6%), stromal scarring and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (4.5% each), microbial keratitis (3.3%), trauma (1.6%), and herpetic keratitis or undetermined scar etiology (4.1%). Conclusion: In this series, the leading indications for keratoplasty were keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, stromal dystrophies and regrafts. Other less frequent indications include stromal scarring, Fuchs' dystrophy, ulcer-related microbial keratitis, trauma and herpetic keratitis. This study was held to draw the attention of Ophthalmologist to commonest indication for keratoplasty in Saudi Arabia.