Visual Outcome of Allogenic Penetrating Keratoplasty

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the common indications, postoperative complications and visual outcomes of allogenic penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Methods: Participants were recruited from the Ophthalmology Department of Jordan University Hospital (JUH). The medical charts of all patients who underwent PKP at JUH from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2009 were analyzed retrospectively through Quasi-experimental interventional design. All completed a three year follow up period. Results: A total of 388 patients were included. Keratoconus (KC) (59% of patients), followed by corneal opacity other than KC scar (12%), and bullous keratopathy (8%) were the most common indications for PKP. KC was the most common cause in males (62%, p < 0.05), and females (53% p < 0.05). Best corrected visual acuity improved from (0.064 ± 0.12) preoperatively to (0.317 ± 0.28) three years postoperatively (P < 0.05). 67.5% of patients did not suffer any complication during follow up period. Most common reported complications were rejection (13.7%) and glaucoma development (3.6%). Twenty three patients (5.9 %) received trauma to the operated cornea which resulted in wound dehiscence in 8 patients. Conclusion: KC is the leading indication for PKP in Jordan. PKP has provided better results concerning impaired vision, and showed a favorable success rate. Complications like rejection and glaucoma development still form a challenge to the treating physician. Trauma to the graft might lead to wound dehiscence.