The effect of the bridge-type penetration keratoplasty using the corneas preserved by improved long-term cryopreservation with glycerol

Abstract

Objective To study the clinical effects of bridge-type penetration keratoplasty (BPK) using glycerol cryopreserved corneas for severe corneal perforation in the absence of fresh donor cornea for penetrating keratoplasty. Methods Ten patients (10 eyes) of severe corneal ulcer with perforation were received bridge-type penetrating keratoplasty with corneas preserved for 2 months to 2 years by improved cryopreservation with glycerol.The diameter of all corneal ulcers were 5-8mm,the diameter of perforations were 2-4mm.The transparency of the grafts,corneal epithelial healing time,intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications were observed after operation. Results The postoperative follow-up of 12 months to 2 years revealed that all corneal ulcers had no recurrence,grafts were translucent,comeal epithelium was fully restored in 10.2±3.6 days,graft edema dissipated in 30.7±6.8 days,IOP were all normal.The vision ranged from finger counting to 0.25. Conclusions In the absence of fresh donor comea,the operation of bridge-type penetration keratoplasty can be used successfully with the corneas preserved by improved long-term cryopreservation with glycerol in the clinical emergency treatment for severe corneal ulcer perforation.The grafts can keep transparency in a long time,so that it can keep the eyes to avoid enucleation and can enhance visual acuity. Key words: Corneal perforation; Severe corneal ulcer; Bridge-type keratoplasty; Freezing-preserved; Corneal preservation; Glycerol