Simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and artificial iris‐lens diaphragm implantation

Abstract

AbstractMaterials and methods: Forty four eyes of 44 patients with aniridia after penetrating corneal injuries and traumatic post radial keratotomy wound dehiscences have undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and simultaneous artificial iris‐lens diaphragm (ILD) implantation. The average age was 36 years (8‐60 years). Time since trauma ranged from 3 months to 17 years. In 27 eyes intraocular pressure (IOP) was normal preoperatively, while 17 eyes were diagnosed with glaucoma. IOP was managed medically in 9 of these eyes, and 8 eyes had been operated for glaucoma before PKP + ILD. PKP was performed with the assistance of femtosecond laser in 10 eyes, and 34 eyes were operated with the use of Barron vacuum trephine. Five eyes had previous successful retinal detachment surgery, and 8 eyes had subtotal vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage. Results: Preoperatively mean non‐corrected distance visual acuity (NCDVA) was 0.03 ± 0.04 (m ± SD), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.04 ± 0.07, preoperative corneal astigmatism was 8.3 ± 5.8 diopters (D). Twelve months after the surgery mean NCDVA after traditional PKP was 0.08 ± 0.09, CDVA was 0.2 ± 0.19, corneal astigmatism was 4.7±3.9 D; and after femtolaser‐assisted PKP NCDVA was 0.1 ± 0.12, CDVA 0.3 ± 0.28, corneal astigmatism was 3.9 ± 3.1 D. In the group of 8 eyes previously operated for glaucoma only 1 eye experienced worsening of IOP control, requiring 2 extra filtering procedures including drainage device implantation. In the glaucoma medical management group of 9 eyes 1 eye required filtering surgery 1 month after PKP + ILD, while four more had to be operated for glaucoma as late as 9 to 24 months. Due to transplant failure cornea had to be regrafted in 6 of 9 patients in the glaucoma medical management group, and only in 2 of 8 patients who were previously operated for glaucoma. Conclusion: In patients after simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and artificial iris‐lens diaphragm implantation surgery corneal transplant failure rate increases with IOP decompensation. Previous glaucoma surgery improves IOP control.