Clear Graft Research Articles

Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Pediatric Age Group: A Decade of Our Experience.

This study was to report the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in managing corneal endothelial disorders in children less than 14 years of age. Medical records of 180 DSAEK performed, between 2008 and 2020, on 167 eyes of 111 children who had a visually significant endothelial dysfunction were retrospectively reviewed for the primary etiology of corneal decompensation, time of the onset and duration of cloudiness, preoperative visual acuity, the technique of endothelial keratoplasty, surgical modifications, and reintervention. Median age at surgical intervention was 7.9 years (interquartile range, 5.2-11.2 years). At a median postinterventional follow-up of 2.5 years (interquartile range, 0.9-3.4 years), 86.2% (144 of 167 eyes, 95% confidence interval 79.9%-90.1%) maintained a clear graft. Median best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) improved from 1.45 ± 0.70 preoperatively to 0.90 ± 0.06 at the last follow-up visit (P < 0.0001). The cumulative overall long-term graft survival was 92.7%, 86.5%, and 77.7% at 1, 3, and 7 years, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the indication for DSAEK (P = 0.007; hazards ratio: 2.17 ± 0.62), age at surgery (P = 0.02; hazards ratio: 0.87 ± 0.05), and any subsequent intervention after DSAEK (P = 0.003; hazards ratio: 0.11 ± 0.08) were significant risk factors for DSAEK failure. The endothelial cell loss was 40.1% at 6 months, 45.4% at 1 year, 55.2% at 5 years, and 61.9% at 7 years. DSAEK is a safe and effective surgical strategy in managing endothelial disorders among the pediatric age group.

High power custom toric intraocular lens for correcting high corneal astigmatism in post-keratoplasty and keratoconus patients with cataract.

Purpose:To analyze the outcomes of phacoemulsification with high power customized toric intraocular lens implantation (IOL) in patients with high corneal astigmatism (6-10 D Cyl) post keratoplasty and keratoconus eyes with cataract.Methods:Five eyes post keratoplasty with clear graft, four eyes with stable keratoconus, one eye with pterygium excision scar with visually significant cataract were included in this retrospective study. Phacoemulsification was done followed by implantation of custom made high power toric IOL in all patients. Outcomes included uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, BCVA), pre-operative astigmatism at the corneal plane and IOL plane, post-operative residual astigmatism, mean torus of all IOLs used were calculated.Results:The minimum follow-up time was 12 months. At the last follow-up visit, there was a significant improvement (pre-operative vs post-operative) of UDVA (1.5 ± 0.47 vs 0.28 ± 0.14 logMAR; P < 0.05), cylindrical refraction (-9.0 ± 1.80 D vs - 1.1 ± 0.45 vs ; P < 0.05). Range of IOL powers used was 1.0-26.50 DSph and 9.0-15.5 DCyl. Post-operative mean residual spherical equivalent was 0.75 ± 0.5.Conclusion:This novel study describes the effectiveness of custom toric IOLs in high astigmatism in the range of 9.0-15.5 DCyl. Phacoemulsification with implantation of a customized high power toric IOL was effective in correcting high astigmatism in complex cases in our study.

Impact of COVID-19 related national lockdown on care of corneal transplantation patients at a tertiary eye care centre in India.

Purpose:To study impact of COVID-19 related national lockdown on care of corneal transplantation patients at a tertiary eye centre in Andhra Pradesh state of South India.Methods:Cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted at tertiary eye care centre in Andhra Pradesh state of South India, included 109 patients who underwent keratoplasty(full thickness or partial thickness) at our centre and who came for follow-up visit after lockdown. Factors such as type, indication, number of keratoplasties in the operated eye, and unusual clinical outcomes identified during visit after the lockdown, were studied. Uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, clarity of graft, graft-host junction apposition, intactness of sutures, intraocular pressure and disc status were compared on visits made before and after lockdown.Results:During lockdown, 77.1% patients were properly using medications that was significantly (P = 0.0003) lower than that of before the lockdown (90.8%). After the lockdown, 82.3% patients were using medications properly that was comparable (P = 0.11) to that of during the lockdown (77.1%). The proportion of eyes with clear grafts and intact sutures decreased significantly after lockdown. The unusual outcomes observed after the lockdown were graft failure (36.7%), graft edema (11%), graft infiltrate(5.5%), phthysis bulbi (1.85%) and edematous graft cleared in eyes 3.7% eyes.Conclusion:We noted significant drop in usage of medications from 91% before lockdown to 77% during lockdown and maintained at 83% after lockdown. Edematous grafts increased from 41% before lockdown to 54% after the lockdown. Intactness of sutures decreased from 82% before lockdown to 69% after lockdown.

Double trouble - Fungal keratitis with concomitant presumed herpes simplex virus keratouveitis

A gentleman with microbiological proven fungal keratitis developed pigmented keratic precipitates with increased anterior chamber reaction on antifungals. Presumed HSV iritis was suspected. Topical steroids were contraindicated. Complete resolution was observed with oral Acyclovir and anti-fungal therapy. A year later acute granulomatous anterior uveitis occurred which responded to topical steroids but progressed to corneal melt with perforation. Following penetrating keratoplasty, he has a clear graft and 20/80 vision. Concomitant HSV iritis with active fungal keratitis is extremely rare. This management dilemma necessitated only oral Acyclovir while continuing anti-fungal therapy while avoiding steroids for HSV kerato-uveitis.

Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis in a University Tertiary Referral Centre - Clinical Features and Surgical Approaches.

To assess prevalence, clinical manifestations, required keratoplasties, follow-up, and outcome in patients with Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis (HSK) attending a University Tertiary Referral Center. Retrospective (12 years), descriptive, observational study. A total of 817 eyes with clinical diagnosis of HSK from 779 patients were classified by the type of presentation. We gathered data on the visual acuity, refraction, IOP, and required surgical procedures. Stromal involvement including scars represented the most common diagnosis in our department and the main indication of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Epithelial keratitis (16%) presented with the best visual acuity at the first visit. Necrotizing keratitis represented 17% of the patients, 78% of whom required PKP; this group also had the worst visual acuity at first examination and was the main indication for emergency PKP. Among all eyes, 288 (35%) required PKP. Atotal of 230 (28%) PKPs were elective procedures and 58(7%) PKPs were performed as emergency procedures. Two patients with quiet endothelial decompensations after recurrent HSV endotheliitis were treated with DMEK and had good visual outcomes without HSV recurrence at last follow-up. HSK is a prevalent disease with severe consequences when not treated appropriately and on time. Even when making an accurate diagnosis, the disease can be extremely aggressive, with all the implications it brings to the patients and health system. Elective PKP had better outcomes in terms of visual acuity and clear graft percentage compared to emergency PKP.

Congenital central corneal dermoid: A rare entity.

To understand the pathogenesis of a central corneal dermoid (CD) in a 12-day-old child, a comparison of CD specimen was done with limbal dermoid (LD) and cadaveric corneal (CC) specimens by immuno-histochemical staining. The child underwent penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. The corneal tissue was sent for histo-pathological and immunochemistry evaluation. The corneal specimen obtained was compared the origin of central CD with LD and CC based on their antigenic expression profile. Clinically over a period of 75 months post operatively the child maintained a clear graft. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of LD had a typical morphology including stratified keratinized epithelium, hair shaft with pilo sebaceous glands, eccrine sweat glands, lymphocytes, and blood vessels. Immuno-histochemical staining showed positive stain for Cytokeratin 3 epithelial marker in the epithelium of CC, LD, and CD. Smooth muscle maker (SMA) was identified in LD and CD but not in the CC as it is devoid of blood vessels. Limbal stem cell maker (P63) was detected only in LD. Vimentin, a mesenchymal stem cell marker stained positively in all three tissues of CC, LD, and CD. Corneal dermoid showed positive staining for mesodermal tissue components compared to both ectodermal and mesodermal components in limbal dermoid suggesting possibly a different origin of corneal dermoid.

Corneal graft rejection after COVID-19 vaccination.

A 62-year-old man presented with corneal graft rejection after COVID-19 vaccination. He had undergone penetrating keratoplasty for a childhood corneal scar in his right eye, 2 years ago. The aphakic and amblyopic eye had regained corrected vision of 6/36, N12 and was on topical steroid once a day. He presented with congestion and diminution of vision of 5 days duration, having taken his first shot of COVID-19 vector vaccine (ChAdO × 1 nCoV-19 Corona Virus Vaccine Recombinant COVISHIELD™), 3 weeks prior. There were no loose sutures, neovascularization, iris synechiae, or any other stimulus for rejection. There was an advancing horizontal Khodadoust’s rejection line in the center of the endothelium with graft edema at its wake inferiorly [Fig. 1] and grade 2 anterior chamber reaction. The graft superior to the rejection line was clear [Fig. 2]. Treatment for corneal allograft rejection was started. This may be the first report of graft rejection after COVID-19 vector vaccination.Figure 1: It shows graft rejection with edema inferiorly and clear graft superiorlyFigure 2: It shows an advancing Khodadoust’s endothelial rejection lineDiscussion The immune privilege of the cornea is due to lack of blood and lymph vessels in the host bed and absence of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presenting cells, making the donor cornea invisible to the host immune system.[1] Vaccination incites immune response that can induce Class II MHC complex antigens in all layers of the grafted cornea and could trigger allograft rejection like the influenza vaccine.[23] The recent rampant vaccination against COVID-19 has triggered a debate about similar such effect on endothelial or full thickness keratoplasty.[4] Now, it has become common practice to hike up topical steroids prior to any type of COVID-19 vaccination.[5] Our case highlights the possibility of immune corneal graft rejection after COVID-19 vaccination which corneal surgeons should be aware of. It also raises the dilemma regarding the timing of the second dose of vaccination, in patients presenting with rejection. Declaration of patient consent The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Tectonic Keratoplasty in Patients with Non-traumatic, Non-infectious Corneal Perforations

Introduction:The study aims to report clinical results of tectonic keratoplasty for non-traumatic, non-infectious corneal perforations.Materials and Methods:The medical records of 12 patients who underwent tectonic penetrating keratoplasty between October 2014 and August 2018 at Ege University Ophthalmology Department were retrospectively reviewed.Results:The mean age of the patients was 52.92±30.34 (range, 2-82) years. The causes of corneal perforation were dry eye (neurotrophic keratopathy (n=4), limbal stem cell deficiency (n=2), exposure keratopathy (n=2) and graft versus host disease (n=1)) in 9 patients. In the remaining 3 patients, the etiology of perforation was not determined. The mean Visual Acuity (VA) was 2.98±0.39 (range, 1.8-3.1) LogMAR before the surgery. Despite conservative treatment, tectonic penetrating keratoplasty had to be performed in all patients in order to manage the perforation. Mean time in between initial examination and surgery was 10.75±12.04 (1-41) days. In 2 patients, allogenic limbal stem cell transplantation; in one patient, lateral tarsorrhaphy and in one patient symblepharon release with amniotic membrane transplantation were performed additional to tectonic keratoplasty. Mean follow-up time was 57.88±55.47 (4-141) weeks. Grafts were clear in 6 eyes and opaque in 5 eyes. The main causes of graft failure among opaque grafts were ocular surface disease (3), allograft rejection (1) and glaucoma-related endothelial failure (1). Phthisis bulbi was detected in one patient with congenital glaucoma due to vitreous loss at the time of perforation. The mean final VA in patients who had clear grafts was 1.83±1.03 (range, 0.8-3.1) LogMAR.Conclusion:To prevent serious complications in non-traumatic, non-infectious corneal perforations, providing anatomic integrity immediately is a must. If conservative treatment is inadequate or the perforation area is extensive, tectonic penetrating keratoplasty is indicated. Besides, it is important to manage the etiological risk factors in order to obtain successful clinical follow up.

A study to evaluate the keratoanalyzer in success of penetrating kertoplasty

Aims: To evaluate donor cornea by using eye bank specular microscope and evaluate outcome of keratolplasty according to the graft condition. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 30 patients who undergone keratoplasty. Donor cornea was evaluated by slit lamp biomicroscopy and after preservation in MK media, evaluated using eye bank specular microscope. Final decision of transplantation was made on grading of specular microscopy. All patients undergone penetrating keratoplasty and post-operative outcome was measured. Results: In our study majority of donors were in age group of 21-40 years. Endothelial cell count of >3000 cells/mm2 was observed in 60% cases, while 2500-3000 cells/mm2 in 26.67% cases. The reason for penetrating keratoplasty were corneal opacity or scarring (40%), PBK (23.33%), acute infective keratitis (13.33%), regraft due to graft failure (10%), ABK (10%) and corneal dystrophy (3.33%). Postoperative clear graft was seen in 60% cases while cloudy in 20% and opaque in 20% cases. It was observed that large number of recipients (46.66%) had post-operative visual acuity more than 6/60. Conclusions: Though tissue utilization can be optimized with the use of eye bank specular analyzer, final outcome depends on multiple factors. Few tissues of older age can be utilized if having good endothelial count. Keywords: Corneal blindness, Eye bank specular analyzer, Keratoplasty.

Incidence and outcome of transplantation of fungal-culture-positive donor corneoscleral tissue in optical keratoplasty.

This study aims to determine the incidence of fungal-culture-positive corneoscleral donor rim in patients undergoing keratoplasty and evaluate clinical outcomes of eyes that received these contaminated donor tissues. Patients who had optical keratoplasty between 2006 and 2016 and were found to have fungal-culture-positive donor rim were included. Microbiological and eye bank records were reviewed to determine the incidence of positive fungal rim cultures. Data were collected on visual and clinical outcomes. The main outcome measures were fungal-culture-positive donor rim and development of fungal keratitis or endophthalmitis post keratoplasty. Long-term clinical outcome and associated complications were the secondary outcome measures. Out of 9620 cases of corneal transplants, 145 (1.5%) had fungal-culture-positive donor rim. Candida was the most common organism, cultured in 127 (87.6%) cases. There were no cases of postoperative fungal keratitis or endophthalmitis. Median follow-up was 4.8years (interquartile range 3.8-7.2years). Only eight cases (5.5%) received prophylactic antifungal treatment. There were 34 (23.4%) cases of rejection, 13 (8.9%) developed glaucoma, and 7 (4.8%) developed late bacterial keratitis. At last follow-up, best corrected visual acuity was 20/60 or better in 88 cases (60.7%) and 115 eyes (79.3%) had a clear graft. The incidence of fungal-culture-positive donor rim is extremely low. The risk of developing fungal keratitis or endophthalmitis in patients who received contaminated donor tissue was almost negligible. Further studies are warranted to prove whether prophylaxis or adding amphotericinB in Optisol-GS confers any added benefit.

Acute corneal edema decades after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus in eyes wearing scleral contact lenses

PurposeTo report three cases of acute corneal edema occurring decades after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus in eyes wearing scleral contact lenses (ScCLs) with previously clear corneal grafts. MethodsRetrospective chart review of three ScCL wearers presenting for sudden onset pain and blurred vision. Data extracted included clinical presentation, year and reason for PK, ocular medications and comorbidities, contact lens wearing history, results of any ancillary testing available including corneal topography, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT), and specular microscopy surrounding the event, treatment and outcomes of intervention. The number of PK eyes fit with ScCLs in the author’s practice was determined to estimate the prevalence of this event. ResultsThe three patients each had a longstanding PK for keratoconus performed between 33–35 years prior to presentation and recurrent ectasia. Each patient presented with an acute, painful eye and reduced vision either 3 days, 4 months or 9 years after refitting into ScCLs. Each eye had well demarcated focal microcystic epithelial and stromal edema within the graft and crossing the wound margin onto the host cornea. Although a definitive break or detachment of Descemet’s membrane was not visualized, the presentations suggest these were episodes of acute hydrops. ConclusionsLongstanding PKs with recurrent ectasia and acute focal edema suggestive of corneal hydrops is demonstrated in this case series of ScCL wearers. Although similar events have occurred as part of the natural history of post-PK corneas for keratoconus, the proximity of ScCL refitting to two of the events suggests some association.

Long-Term Visual Outcomes and Clinical Course of Patients With Peters Anomaly.

To present long-term clinical and visual outcomes of patients with Peters anomaly. The charts of all patients diagnosed with Peters anomaly from January 2000 to December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Peters anomaly was classified as type I (with no lens involvement) or type II (presence of keratolenticular adhesions or cataract), with further severity grading to mild, moderate, and severe disease depending on corneal opacity location and size. Mild cases were observed. Moderate cases were managed with pupillary dilation either pharmacologically or surgically. Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was reserved for more severe opacity. The main outcome measures were final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), incidence of glaucoma, graft survival, and nystagmus rates. Sixty eyes of 40 patients were included in the study. The median age of patients at presentation was 0.5 ± 20.7 months (range, 0.0-111.0 months), with a mean follow-up time of 75.8 ± 52.9 months (range, 12.1-225.3 months). Overall, final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity ranged from 0.1 logMAR to no light perception with 33 eyes (55.9%) achieving vision of 1.0 logMAR or better. Clear grafts at the last follow-up were obtained in 67.6% (25/37) of transplanted eyes, 76.0% (19/25) in Peters type I, and 50.0% (6/12) in Peters type II (P = 0.11). The probability of a clear graft at 10 years was 74.2% and 38.9% for type I and type II, respectively. Glaucoma was diagnosed in 33.3% eyes, 90.0% of which occurred after PKP. Nystagmus was highly associated with PKP intervention, occurring in 81.1% (30/37) of eyes undergoing PKP compared with 34.8% (8/23) of eyes with no PKP (P = 0.0003). Visual rehabilitation in Peters anomaly remains a challenge, but outcomes can be optimized using a comprehensive clinical management algorithm according to disease severity.

Risk factors and evaluation of keratoconus progression after penetrating keratoplasty with anterior segment optical coherence tomography

To determine the risk factors and unique characteristics of keratoconus (KC) progression after penetrating keratoplasty (PK), anterior segment optical coherence tomography parameters were statistically analyzed in comparison with eyes undergoing PK for other diseases as a control. Ninety-one eyes maintaining clear PK grafts for over 10 years were divided into 2 groups according to the primary indication for PK (KC vs Others groups). Corneal thinning indicators (inferior host thinnest corneal thickness/central corneal thickness [IHT/CCT], inferior graft thinnest corneal thickness/CCT [IGT/CCT]), were smaller whereas anterior chamber depth, and steepest corneal power (Ks), and maximum corneal power (Kmax) were larger in the KC group with statistical significance. Graft size, Kmax and Ks correlated with IHT/CCT and IGT/CCT in the KC group. These correlations were not detected in controls. Graft size and postoperative period were selected by multivariate regression analysis as factors for corneal ectatic changes in the KC group. In conclusion, KC eyes long after PK show inferior graft and host corneal thinning, and corneal protrusion. Corneal power parameters such as Kmax or Ks can be used to monitor KC progression after PK. A small graft might lead to KC progression after PK.

Excisional penetrating keratoplasty for fungal interface keratitis after endothelial keratoplasty: surgical timing and visual outcome.

In this paper, we describe two cases of fungal interface infectious keratitis (IIK) developed after endothelial keratoplasty (EK) who underwent delayed therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) with a poor visual outcome. Furthermore, we conducted a review of the literature and analyzed the visual outcomes of TPK in relation to the time from IIK diagnosis. We searched the literature for fungal IIK cases occurred after EK and treated by TPK. We identified 17 cases of fungal IIK, mostly caused by Candida spp. (88%). Infection was diagnosed at a median time of 21 (range 1-90days) days after EK. The median lag time between infection diagnosis and TPK was 30 (range 7-393) days. The median distance corrected visual acuity (DCVA) measured 4-12months after surgery was 20/40 (range 20/200-20/20). When TPK was performed within one month from diagnosis, the final median DCVA was 20/30 (range 20/100-20/20), with 83% of patients achieving ≥ 20/40 vision. When TPK was carried out later, the final median DCVA was 20/50 (range 20/200-20/22) with 44% of patients achieving ≥ 20/40 vision. One patient in the early surgery and four patients in the late surgery group showed postoperative DCVA ≤ 20/100 despite clear grafts. TPK with removal of the sequestered infection is advocated as a safe and effective measure to treat a post-EK infection. Early surgery allows a reduced exposure time to infection and therefore may result in better visual outcomes and lower risk of complications caused by prolonged inflammation.

Ten-Year Survival of Optical Penetrating Keratoplasty and Risk Factors for Graft Failure in Thai Patients

Objective: To determine long-term graft survival and identify risk factors for secondary graft failure of optical penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in Thai patients. Materials and Methods: A Retrospective study of patients that underwent optical PK at Siriraj Hospital between January 2002 and December 2005 was done. Results: Of 131 eyes, primary graft failure was found in two eyes (1.5%) thus, 129 eyes were recruited. The three most common surgical indications were pseudophakic or aphakic bullous keratopathy (33.3%), corneal scars (post-trauma, post-infection) (20.9%), and regrafts (16.3%). Mean follow-up period was 93.2 months (1 to 183 months). One-year, 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year graft survival rates were 84.5%, 73.2%, 50.2%, and 24.7%, respectively. The leading cause of graft failure was irreversible allograft rejection (62.5%). Most (56.0%) of the first graft rejection happened within one year post-operatively. Graft survival was lower in eyes with regrafts, history of glaucoma, deep corneal vascularization, peripheral anterior synechiae, and occurrence of one or more rejection episodes. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral anterior synechiae and occurrence of one or more rejection episodes were the significant independent risk factors for graft failure. Considering patients with the clear grafts at the last follow-up, the final best-corrected visual acuity was 6/36 or better in 66.7% eyes and 6/18 or better in 31.6% eyes. Comparing to pre-operative vision, patients with the clear grafts at the last follow-up had improved visual outcome in most eyes (82.5%). Conclusion: Ten-year survival and visual outcome of optical PK showed successful outcome, however, the survival rate decreased over time. The significant risk factors for graft failure should be cautiously evaluated before surgery. Keywords: Corneal graft survival, Keratoplasty outcome, Optical penetrating keratoplasty

Corneal topography in keratoconus evaluated more than 30\xa0years after penetrating keratoplasty: a Fourier harmonic analysis

The aim of this observational study was to examine the characteristics of anterior and posterior corneal topography in keratoconic eyes more than 30 years after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Patients who maintained clear grafts for more than 30 years after PK were included and divided into the keratoconus (KC) group or other diseases (Others) group, based on the primary indication. Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients were included. The KC group and the Others group included 14 eyes and 12 eyes, respectively. The KC group participants were younger at the time of surgery (P = 0.03). No differences were found in best-spectacle-corrected visual acuity, keratometric power, and central-corneal-thickness. Based on corneal topography using Fourier harmonic analyses, regular astigmatism in the anterior cornea was significantly larger (P = 0.047) and the spherical component in the posterior cornea was significantly lower (P = 0.01) in the KC group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the spherical component, regular astigmatism, asymmetry component, and higher-order irregularity were 66.07%, 63.10%, 57.14%, and 59.23%, respectively, in the anterior cornea and 80.65%, 52.98%, 63.10%, and 63.99%, respectively, in the posterior cornea. Our results suggested that Fourier harmonic analysis of corneal topography could be useful for patients with KC long after PK.

VISUAL REHABILITATION AFTER PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY

Introduction: Astigmatism is the most common cause of suboptimal vision after corneal transplantation despite a clear corneal graft.1 Based on several studies, 15–31% of patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK) may develop postoperative astigmatism greater than 5 diopters (D).2,3 Commonly practiced techniques for visual rehabilitation after PK consist of postoperative suture manipulation, optical correction consisting of spectacles and contact lenses, relaxing incisions, compression sutures, laser refractive surgery, insertion of intrastromal corneal ring segments, wedge resection, toric phakic intraocular lenses, and finally regrafting.4 The aim of this study was to report our management strategies and their results performed for visual rehabilitation and management of astigmatism after PK. Patients and Methods: The records of 104 eyes of 98 patients (54male/44 female) who underwent PK between January 2013 and January 2015 in Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology were reviewed. The age, the indication for PK, interventions performed for visual rehabilitation, the duration of follow-up, the topographic and refractive astigmatism at the end of follow-up and the final BCVA were recorded. Results: The mean age of the patients was 54±23 years. The indications for PK included keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and corneal scarring (Figure 1).Fig. 1. The mean duration of follow up was 23±11.5 months. Suture adjustment and selective suture removal were performed 2 to 6 weeks and after 3 months in eyes with more than 3 D of corneal astigmatism. Spectacle correction was performed in 86 eyes (83%) and contact lenses including rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses were fitted in 18 eyes (17%) who were unsatisfied with spectacle correction mostly due to higher order aberrations or high anisometropia (Figure 2).Fig. 2. Relaxing corneal incisions were performed in 23 eyes (22%) and toric intraocular lens implantation was performed in 34 eyes (33%) with cataracts. The mean topographic and absolute refractive astigmatism at the end of follow up was 3.4±2.6 D and 3.6± 1.9 D, respectively. Discussion: Intraoperative and postoperative suture manipulation have been described for minimising early postoperative astigmatism.5,6 After PK, sutures should be kept for at least one year. During this period, astigmatism >4 D can be reduced by suture manipulation consisting of selective interrupted suture removal and tension adjustment of running sutures.4 If significant astigmatism remains after suture removal, which cannot be corrected by optical means such as spectacle correction or contact lenses, surgical procedures can be performed.4 Conclusion: Although general guidelines are useful, it is important to individualize the management based on corneal topography and patient expectations for successful visual rehabilitation.

Management of Descemet’s Membrane Detachment after Cataract Surgery—A Case Series

Descemet’s membrane detachment (DMD) is an uncommon, vision-threatening, ocular surface complication of cataract surgery. Among several treatment strategies, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) descemetopexy is the standard of care. Herein, we report three cases of DMD after cataract surgery managed with SF6 descemetopexy, showing different outcomes. Anatomical success was achieved in cases 1 and 2 while intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated in case 2. In case 3, despite SF6 descemetopexy, recurrent DMD was observed. Due to persistent corneal edema and possible corneal decompensation in case 3, Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed and a clear graft was found at the final visit. In conclusion, descemetopexy with 20 % SF6 is an effective and safe procedure for repairing DMD in most cases. Pupillary block with elevated IOP is another concern and prophylactic peripheral iridectomy is recommended. For recurrent DMDs, repeat descemetopexy could be considered. However, close monitoring is advocated since secondary management, such as endothelial keratoplasty, may be required.

Microbial keratitis and clinical outcomes following penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty.

The goal of this study was to review the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of microbial keratitis after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and endothelial keratoplasty (EK). The electronic medical records at Wills Eye Hospital were queried for cases of microbial keratitis following PK or EK performed between 1 May 2007 and 1 September 2018. Charts were reviewed to obtain demographic data, transplant characteristics, details of microbial keratitis, graft survival and clinical outcomes. During the study period, 2098 transplants were performed in 1601 patients. Of these, 1267 (60.4%) were PKs and 831 (39.6%) were EKs. We identified 86 (4.1%) cases of subsequent microbial keratitis. The incidence of microbial keratitis after PK was significantly higher than after EK (5.9% versus 1.3%; p=0.005). Furthermore, the rate of infection was higher after repeat transplants (either PK or EK) compared to initial keratoplasties (5.5% versus 3.4%; p=0.02). Twenty-six (32.1%) grafts remained clear at most recent follow-up after microbial keratitis, and the proportion of clear grafts was higher after EK than PK (66.7% versus 27.8%; p=0.03). Rates of microbial keratitis were significantly higher after PK compared to EK, and repeat transplantation was a risk factor for microbial keratitis. To the best of our knowledge, there is no prior study in the literature evaluating microbial keratitis rates after PK and EK and comparing outcomes.

Outcomes of big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for pediatric keratoconus.

To evaluate the outcomes and complications of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) performed for pediatric keratoconus. This retrospective study enrolled 44 consecutive eyes of 39 keratoconus-affected children (≤ 18years of age). All patients underwent big-bubble DALK from March 2004 to June 2016. The outcome measures included postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, keratometry readings, and complications. The mean participant age was 16.8 ± 1.4years, and the mean follow-up period was 68.5 ± 39.9months. Successful big bubble was achieved in 33 eyes (75.0%), while the surgical technique was predescemetic DALK in 11 (25.0%). The mean BSCVA changed from 1.34 ± 0.49 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.24 ± 0.10 LogMAR postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean keratometry decreased from 59.54 ± 5.17D preoperatively to 46.23 ± 2.17D postoperatively (P < 0.001). The complications encountered during the study period were intraoperative Descemet's membrane perforation (n = 5, 11.4%), the Urrets Zavalia syndrome (n = 1, 2.3%), graft epithelial problems (n = 3, 6.8%), subepithelial graft rejection (n = 5, 11.4%), high intraocular pressure (n = 8, 18.2%), and traumatic wound dehiscence (n = 2, 4.6%). Suture-related complications included premature loosening (n = 13, 29.6%), broken sutures (n = 12, 27.3%), suture-tract vascularization (n = 6, 13.6%), suture-associated abscesses (n = 5, 11.4%), and suture cheese wiring (n = 2, 4.6%). A clear graft was found in 40 eyes (90.9%) at the last follow-up examination. This study showed promising results with big-bubble DALK in keratoconus-affected children. A frequent and close follow-up with dedicated parental involvement is essential for the early recognition and management of postoperative complications.