Infectious Keratitis After Keratorefractive Surgery: Update and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the clinical manifestations, microbiological profile, treatment, and prognosis of corneal infections after different keratorefractive surgery.

METHODS

To obtain relevant studies, English-language databases, including PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and CLNAHL, were searched from January 1979 to March 2022. The fundamentals of the literature, clinical characteristics, pathogens, and treatments were retrieved for each included article.

RESULTS

Eighty-four studies involving 306 infectious eyes were included in this review. Risk factors of potential infection included a history of blepharitis, contact lens usage, and contaminated surgical instruments. The mean onset time was 22.9±38.7 days (range: 1 day to 3 years). The most common organism isolated from infectious keratitis after keratorefractive surgery were Staphylococcus aureus , followed by Mycobacterium and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus . Most of the infections after refractive procedures were sensitive to medical treatment alone, and the ultimate best-corrected visual acuity after medical treatment was as follows: 20/20 or better in 82 cases (37.0%), 20/40 or better in 170 cases (76.5%), and worse than 20/40 in 52 cases (23.5%). Surgical interventions including flap lift, flap amputation, ring removal, and keratoplasty were performed in 120 eyes (44.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Most infections after keratorefractive surgery occur within a week, whereas more than half of the cases after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis happen after about a month. Gram-positive cocci and mycobacterium are the most common isolates. Infections after LASIK, intracorneal ring (ICR) implantation, and small incision lenticule extraction, which primarily occur between the cornea layers, require irrigation of the tunnels or pocket with antibiotics.

Early Postoperative Therapeutic Scleral Lens Intervention for Penetrating Keratoplasty Complications in Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

ABSTRACT

A 52-year-old white man with keratoconus and severe atopic keratoconjunctivitis underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for visual rehabilitation in the left eye. Post-PK complications included a persistent epithelial defect. Therapeutic scleral lens wear was initiated 2 weeks post-PK. Customizations were incorporated into the lens design to prevent suction and corneal hypoxia during lens wear. Post-PK herpes epithelial keratitis developed shortly thereafter, causing recurrence of a nonhealing epithelial defect. The patient was treated with oral antiviral therapy, discontinuation of dupilumab, and daily waking-hour scleral lens wear, which was used as an antibiotic drug delivery device. The cornea fully epithelialized, and best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/40-2. The patient continued with daily waking-hour scleral lens wear and was without recurrence of persistent epithelial defect or herpes keratitis at 18 months. No scleral lens-related complications were observed despite the unconventional early intervention with a therapeutic scleral lens.

Repeat deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for failed primary DALK

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of repeat deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in patients of previous failed DALK.

Methods

: A retrospective analysis of records of seven patients who had undergone repeat DALK following the failure of the primary DALK was done. The indications for repeat surgery, time elapsed since the first surgery, and pre- & postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were noted for all the patients.

Results

The follow-up period ranged between one- to four-year post repeat DALK. The indication of primary DALK was keratoconus with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (n = 3), corneal amyloidosis (n = 2), Salzman nodular keratopathy (n = 1), and healed keratitis (n = 1). The need for repeat surgery arose when the BSCVA dropped to less than 20/200. The time interval elapsed since the first surgery ranged from two months to four years. Postoperatively, the BSCVA improved from 20/120 to 20/30 at the end of one-year post repeat DALK in all except one patient. All regrafts were clear at the most recent examination, performed after a mean period of 18 months after the secondary graft. No complication was encountered during the resurgery. The dissection of the host bed was easier in the second surgery owing to weaker adhesions.

Conclusion

The prognosis for repeat DALK for failed DALK is excellent, and the outcomes of secondary grafts were comparable to those of primary DALK grafts. Re DALK offers the advantage of an easier dissection and lower chances of graft rejection compared to penetrating keratoplasty.

Progress of corneal morphological examination combined with biomechanical examination in preoperative screening for keratorefractive surgery

Although corneal refractive surgery has been proven to be excellent in terms of safety and effectiveness, the reduction of postoperative corneal ectasia remains one of the most concerned topics for surgeons. Forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) is the most important factor that leads to postoperative corneal ectasia, and common preoperative screenings of the condition include corneal morphology examination and corneal biomechanical examination. However, there are limitations to the single morphological examination or biomechanical examination, and the advantages of the combination of the two have been gradually emerging. The combined examination is more accurate in the diagnosis of FFKC and can provide a basis for determining suspected keratoconus. It allows one to measure the true intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after surgery and is recommended for older patients and those with allergic conjunctivitis. This article aims to discuss the application, advantages, and disadvantages of single examination and combined examination in the preoperative screening of refractive surgery, so as to provide a certain reference value for choosing suitable patients for surgery, improving surgical safety, and reducing the risk of postoperative ectasia.

Etiology-Specific Comparison of the Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Repeat Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Optical Indications

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the etiology-specific clinical outcomes and complications of repeat deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) after failed DALK.

METHODS

This retrospective case study included 32 eyes of 27 patients who underwent repeat DALK of 450 cases of DALK performed for optical indications between 1997 and 2013. The patients were divided into 4 etiology-specific subgroups (the corneal dystrophy, ocular surface disease, stromal scar, and others) or those with or without limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The clinical outcomes evaluated were graft survival, best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and complications.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 69.6 ± 54.8 months. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall graft survival rate were 76.7%, 57.5%, and 38.8% respectively. The graft survival rate was the highest in the corneal dystrophy group ( P = 0.0014) and was significantly ( P = 0.0010) higher in eyes without LSCD than in eyes with LSCD. There were no significant differences in the graft survival rates between the previous and current DALK groups. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity of all subjects improved significantly. The postoperative endothelial cell density did not decrease after repeat DALK. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications between patients with and without LSCD, except the incidence of persistent epithelial defects.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat DALK had favorable outcomes in all etiology-specific groups, whereas eyes with LSCD required careful assessment of the ocular surface to avoid graft failure due to persistent epithelial defects.

Graft Outcomes After Temporary Keratoprosthesis in Combined Penetrating Keratoplasty and Vitreoretinal Surgery

PURPOSE

Corneal pathology can obstruct the visualization required for surgical management of coexisting posterior segment diseases, and use of a temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) permits combined penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and vitreoretinal surgery. We evaluated graft outcomes after TKP for combined PK and vitreoretinal surgery and analyzed risk factors for graft failure.

METHODS

We reviewed the electronic medical records for patients who underwent TKP for PK combined with vitreoretinal surgery at Wills Eye Hospital between May 2007 and April 2021. Overall, 28 variables were analyzed. The main outcome measure was corneal graft failure, defined as irreversible graft edema or opacification.

RESULTS

A total of 46 eyes of 46 patients underwent combined surgery and were included in the study. The mean age at surgery was 55.7 ± 18.6 years (range 19-86 years), and the mean follow-up was 31.8 ± 30.5 months (range 1.6-114.0 months). Multivariable analysis revealed 2 factors significantly associated with graft failure: history of trauma (hazard ratio = 5.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-18.91; P = 0.009) and intraocular silicone oil after transplant (hazard ratio = 5.67; confidence interval 1.66-19.44; P = 0.006). Corneal graft failure occurred in 60.9% of all cases over the course of follow-up, but the absence of both variables yielded a 33.3% failure rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Although outcomes vary, previous ocular trauma and the presence of intraocular silicone oil are risk factors for failure that may facilitate patient selection and improve counseling about long-term graft potential after TKP for combined PK and vitreoretinal surgery.

En Bloc Keratolimbal Allograft and Central Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Novel Surgical Technique in Severe Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to present a novel surgical technique combining 360-degree keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) and simultaneous central keratoplasty termed en bloc KLAL with the central penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) performed in those cases with total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) and corneal scars.

METHODS

Nine eyes of 9 patients underwent en bloc KLAL and central PKP between 2014 and 2016. All patients had bilateral total LSCD with total corneal opacity due to different etiologies. The exclusion criteria were previous limbal stem cell transplantation and the presence of active and uncontrolled ocular surface inflammation. The same donor globe was used for harvesting 360-degree KLAL and central PKP. The 1-piece integrity of the KLAL and PKP graft was preserved during the described technique. All patients received modified immunosuppressive regimens compatible with the Cincinnati solid organ transplantation protocol.

RESULTS

The average age of patients was 58.6 ± 18.6 years. The diagnosis was mustard gas keratopathy in 6, herpes simplex keratitis in 1, and severe acid chemical burn in 2 patients. Seven patients were male. An integrated ocular surface without epitheliopathy and a clear cornea was achieved in 8 patients (88.8%) with an average of 6.5 years in follow-up. The average best-corrected visual acuity was 1.89 ± 0.18 (20/1600) preoperatively which improved to 1.02 ± 0.64 (20/200) logMAR in the postoperative period. Endothelial immune rejection episodes were observed in 3 patients. KLAL rejection was not observed in any patient. One patient required repeat PKP due to corneal graft failure.

CONCLUSIONS

En bloc 360-degree KLAL and central PKP could simultaneously be performed in patients with total LSCD and corneal opacification.

Eye banking and keratoplasty trend analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic: A South Indian observational study

Purpose

To analyze the impact on eye donation and corneal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary eye hospital in south India.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the donor and recipient records during the study period from January 2020 to May 2021 was conducted and tabulated in Microsoft Excel 2013. Demographic details of the donor, utility rate, cause of death, culture characteristics, storage methods, wet lab usage, and the surgical donor outcomes were evaluated. Additionally, the postoperative workup of the recipients, diagnosis, graft infection and rejection episodes, development of COVID-19 postoperatively, and outcome in terms of visual acuity at one, three, and six months were also noted.

Results

A total of 466 eyes from 249 donors were received during the study period. The mean age of the donor population was 62.43 years (20.9). The corneal transplantation utility rate was 36.4% (n = 170). Fifty-one percent of the total transplant surgeries were for therapeutic purposes. This was followed by penetrating optical keratoplasty (34%), Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (9%), and patch grafts (3%). Seventeen (10%) graft rejection episodes were noted and nine (53%) had complete resolution after medical treatment.

Conclusion

Proper preventive measures are key to carrying out safe and efficient eye banking activities even during a deadly pandemic, as COVID-19 transmission via transplantation is rare.

Trends in Keratoplasty Procedures During 2 Decades in a Major Tertiary Referral Center in Finland: 1995 to 2015

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze trends in number, age-adjusted frequency, and type of keratoplasty in a major tertiary referral center, relative to patient and graft characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective registry study of 1574 patients who in 1995 to 2015 underwent keratoplasty in the Helsinki University Eye Hospital (HUEH). Graft type and sequence, patient characteristics, and date of surgery were recorded. Main outcome measures were annual number, type, and age-adjusted frequency of keratoplasty; patient and graft characteristics; graft procurement; and national population-adjusted frequency of keratoplasty.

RESULTS

In HUEH, from 1995 to 2015, a total of 2191 keratoplasties were performed with 48% of the grafts procured intramurally; 76% were primary and 24% regrafts. The age-adjusted frequency of primary penetrating keratoplasty decreased by 52% from 0.96 to 0.46 per 100,000. The corresponding frequency of primary Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty increased by 367% from 0.3 to 1.4 after 2006, finally accounting for 68% of primary grafts. Men underwent primary penetrating keratoplasty (median 48 vs. 67 yrs, P = 0.0001) and anterior lamellar keratoplasty (median 37 vs. 46 yrs, P = 0.0015) at a younger age than women. Interval to the first regraft was comparable between sexes (median 2.2 vs. 1.9 yrs, respectively, P = 0.17). The national median population-adjusted frequency of keratoplasties was 3.2 per 100,000 from 2009 to 2015, and HUEH accounted for a median of 69% of them.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased frequency of keratoplasty in HUEH resulted from rapid adoption of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty after 2006 and was facilitated by centralizing graft procurement to HUEH and the National Cell and Tissue Center Regea.

Penetrating Keratoplasty: Indications and Graft Survival by Geographic Region

Corneal transplantation, or penetrating keratoplasty (PK), is the most common form of solid-organ transplantation performed worldwide. Here, we evaluated the indications for PK and rates of transplant survival around the world by geographic region. We conducted a literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases and identified 155 relevant studies from 41 countries published between 1987 and 2021. The most common indications for PK were keratoconus in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and Central and South America, bullous keratopathy in North America, and corneal scarring in Asia. The overall global mean graft survival rates at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years were 88.6%, 81.2%, 78.9%, 72.8%, and 61.2%, respectively. Through this systematic analysis of PK by region, we hope to bring a new perspective to the corneal transplantation literature and to potentially highlight global differences and unmet needs in patient care.

Penetrating Keratoplasty Versus Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Children With Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy: Long-Term Results

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in patients with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, comparative study of all the patients with a histopathological diagnosis of CHED who underwent PKP or DSAEK between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2016. All the cases were included except those patients who had clear grafts but did not complete 2 years of postoperative follow-up. The main outcome measure was graft clarity 2 years after surgery.

RESULTS

There were 111 eyes of 63 patients. Seventy-six eyes underwent PKP, and 35 eyes underwent DSAEK. The median age at surgery was 6.8 years in the PKP group and 10.32 years in the DSAEK group. At 2 years postoperatively, clear grafts were noted in 66 of 76 (86.8%) eyes in the PKP group and 30 of 35 (85.7%) eyes in the DSAEK group. At the last follow-up, 80.3% of PKP grafts and 82.8% of DSAEK grafts were clear ( P =0.5). The type and timing of complications differed between the 2 groups. The PKP group had a statistically significant higher rate of graft rejection (19.5%) versus the DSAEK group (0%) ( P =0.01). DSAEK complications were mainly lenticule detachment that developed within one month postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in the visual outcomes at the last follow-up between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Endothelial keratoplasty is a safe alternative to conventional PKP in CHED. The visual outcome and survival rates were comparable, but DSAEK had a lower rejection rate and fewer suture-related complications.

Therapeutic keratoplasty for severe Acanthamoeba keratitis: risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of postoperative recurrence

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of therapeutic keratoplasty (TKP) in patients with severe Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and to analyse the clinical features and risk factors for recurrence.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients with severe AK treated with lamellar keratoplasty (LK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PK) due to ineffective drug therapy were analysed in this retrospective study. The effects of keratoplasty, clinical features, and risk factors for recurrence were analysed.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised of 58 patients (59 eyes). Of these, 36 eyes were treated with PK and 23 were treated with LK. The probabilities of successful globe salvage were 91.7% and 91.3%, respectively. The final visual acuity (VA) was ≥ 20/60 in 14 eyes (38.9%) that underwent PK and 15 eyes (65.2%) that underwent LK. Postoperative recurrence of Acanthamoeba infection was detected in 10 eyes; 6 eyes (16.7%) showed recurrence after PK, and 4 eyes (17.4%) showed recurrence after LK. Recurrence occurred between 3 and 80 days (median, 14.5 days) after the operation. The risk factors for recurrence after LK were topical corticosteroid use before diagnosis (p = 0.040) and hypopyon (p = 0.009), while those after PK were topical corticosteroid use before diagnosis (p = 0.045). Clinical manifestations of postoperative recurrence include greyish-white infiltration of the recipient bed, anterior chamber inflammation, graft oedema, and keratic precipitate.

CONCLUSION

TKP is a treatment option for severe AK that responds poorly to antiamoebic therapy (AAT), although Acanthamoeba infection may relapse, and the visual prognosis is guarded. Topical corticosteroid use before AAT and hypopyon is the two risk factors for recurrence.

Comparison of corneal flap thickness predictability and architecture between femtosecond laser and sub-Bowman keratomileusis microkeratome in laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the study is to assess and compare the corneal flap thickness predictability and uniformity between Visumax femtosecond laser and Moria sub-Bowman keratomileusis microkeratome in laser in situ keratomileusis procedure to correct myopic and myopic astigmatism refractive errors.

METHODS

One hundred eyes from 100 patients were enrolled in this study. Only one eye (right eye) of each patient was chosen for this study. They were divided into two groups of equal size (50 each). Target flap thickness was 90 μm. Flap thickness was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography in 7 specified positions at 3 months postoperative.

RESULTS

For femtosecond laser group, the average central flap thickness (CFT) was 91.35 µm ± 4.97. There was no statistically significant difference between the target flap thickness and the resultant flap thickness (p = 0.12). When the central, nasal and temporal thicknesses in the same flap were compared, there was no statistically significant difference among these measurements (p = 0.9). For the microkeratome group, CFT was 102.18 µm ± 5.63. There was statistically significant difference between the target flap thickness and the resultant flap thickness (p = 0.001). The central, nasal and temporal thicknesses were compared and there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study is among few studies in the literature comparing femtosecond laser flap to SBK microkeratome flap. Femtosecond laser creates more predictable flap thickness and more uniform flap architecture. Trial registration Trial registration number: NCT04684888. Trial Registration date: December 2020. Registered at www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov .

Use of Topical Cyclosporine 0.1% in Therapeutic Penetrating Keratoplasty for Fungal Keratitis

PURPOSE

The efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine 0.1% in preventing early graft failure after therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) in eyes with fungal keratitis were evaluated.

METHODS

This prospective case series included patients with fungal keratitis undergoing TPK from May to December 2019 who were treated with cyclosporine A 0.1% eye drops (tCSA group). We compared the outcome with a historical cohort of patients who were treated conventionally (CT group) with topical prednisolone acetate 1% eye drops started 3 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

There were 20 patients (male: 13; female: 7) in the tCSA group and 28 patients in the CT group (male: 23; female: 5). The number of clear grafts 3 months postoperatively was 10 (50%) in the tCSA group and 4 (14.3%) in the CT group ( P = 0.011). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity was 1.49 ± 0.74 in the tCSA group and 2.10 ± 0.62 in the CT group ( P = 0.003). There were 5 patients (17.9%) with recurrence of the primary fungal infection in the CT group, 4 of whom were using topical prednisolone. There was no recurrence in the tCSA group. A logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of a clear graft at 3 months postoperatively with topical cyclosporine 0.1% [odds ratio: 14.35 (95% confidence interval, 2.38-86.5), P = 0.004].

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative treatment with topical cyclosporine 0.1% seems to increase graft survival and postoperative vision with reduced risk of recurrence of primary infection in eyes with fungal keratitis undergoing TPK.

Demography, indications and outcome of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in Nepal

BACKGROUND

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is performed for corneal endothelial pathology. It had gained popularity over penetrating keratoplasty (PK) because of better outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective data was collected from records of patients who underwent DSAEK from 2005 to 2019. Demography, indications and post-operative complications of DSAEK were analyzed. Outcome was measured in terms of graft clarity and vision.

RESULTS

93 eyes of 86 patients had undergone DSAEK in the study period of 15 years. Average age of the patients was 61.0 years. 55.9% were female. The common indications for DSAEK were cataract surgery related bullous keratopathy (n=47, 50.5%), Fuchs dystrophy (n=22, 23.6%) and failed graft (n=11, 11.8%). 8.6% of surgeries had graft detachment and 5.3% had pupillary block in the early post-operative period. Outcome analysis was done for cases (n=80) which had follow-up duration of at least 2 months (range: 2 months to 11 years; average: 28.5 months).Endothelial rejection occurred in 8 cases (10.0%), 5 of which regained graft clarity after treatment. At the last follow-up visit, 23.8% (n=19) of grafts had failed, which was mostly due to endothelial failure (n=16); 3 grafts failed due to infective keratitis. 42.5% (n=34) acquired best corrected vision of 6/18 or better. The average astigmatic error was 1.6 Diopter Cylinder by refraction.

CONCLUSION

DSAEK showed good outcome with our results comparable to other studies. It had replaced traditional PK in our institute for endothelial dysfunction. Surgeons in the country should be encouraged and trained to do the procedure.

Long-Term Outcomes of Big Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Mucopolysaccharidoses: A Retrospective Case Series and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report the long-term surgical and visual outcomes of patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) after big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (BB-DALK).

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of patients with MPS who underwent BB-DALK at a single academic institution. All patients had corneal clouding secondary to MPS limiting visual acuity for which keratoplasty was indicated. Each patient was evaluated and underwent surgery by a single surgeon. Reported data included age at keratoplasty, sex, MPS type, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, change in pachymetry, ocular comorbidities, surgical complications, and MPS-related medication use.

RESULTS

Outcomes of 12 eyes from 7 patients with MPS type I (Hurler, Scheie, and Hurler-Scheie) are reported using the newest nomenclature. The mean follow-up was 5.58 years (range: 1-10 years). All cases underwent BB-DALK with a type 1 big bubble during the surgery. Two cases (16.6%) required rebubbling because of partial Descemet membrane detachment. One case was complicated by a suture abscess and required a penetrating keratoplasty. No episodes of rejection occurred. Statistically significant improvement in the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (from a mean 0.85-0.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, P = logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.0054) and pachymetry (mean reduction of -145.4 μm, P = 0.0018) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

BB-DALK seems to be an acceptable long-term surgical option in patients with MPS. Our findings suggest that this technique is reproducible and can achieve clear corneal grafts with good visual results on a long-term follow-up.

Infectious crystalline keratopathy: A case series

This is the case series of three patients of infectious crystalline keratopathy (ICK) presented to us after undergoing penetrating keratoplasty between 2010 to 2020. The lesions showed classical crystalline patterns and clinical diagnosis was made. The patients were treated by broad spectrum antibiotics till the complete resolution of the lesions. The cases highlight the clinical features, diagnosis and management of this rare and resistant disease.

Microsporidial Endotheliitis Mimicking Graft Rejection After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report a case of microsporidial endotheliitis masquerading as graft rejection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

METHODS

A 36-year-old man visited the clinic with complaints of blurred vision, redness, pain, watering, and whitish appearance of the black portion of his left eye. On evaluation, there was diffuse stromal edema with epithelial defect and hypopyon. Microbial keratitis resolved with macular grade scar. He underwent DALK. After 3 years, he presented with complaints of sudden diminution of vision in the same eye for 10 days. His unaided visual acuity was counting finger 1 meter. The clinical findings were circumcorneal congestion, diffuse graft edema, Descemet membrane folds, and diffuse keratic precipitates. A presumptive diagnosis of left eye graft rejection was made. Topical steroids were administered. There was significant improvement within a week. However, at 1 month, there was an increase in graft edema after the steroids were tapered. At this point, a diagnosis of endotheliitis of viral origin was made. He was then administered oral antivirals and steroids. There were 2 such waxing and waning episodes of graft edema before the graft failed. Patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty with cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation.

RESULTS

The previous donor and host Descemet endothelium complex was sent for histopathology and polymerase chain reaction. Both histology and polymerase chain reaction were positive for microsporidia.

CONCLUSIONS

Microsporidial endotheliitis may present as graft rejection. There should be a suspicion of microsporidial infection in cases of features mimicking as endothelial rejection after DALK.

Corneal biomechanical changes after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, and phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To evaluate corneal biomechanical changes after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), penetrating keratoplasty (PK), and phacoemulsification (PE).

METHODS

This prospective study included 138 eyes which underwent PK (26 eyes), DSAEK (26 eyes), PE (57 eyes), and 29 normal eyes. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), and central corneal thickness (CCT) and axial length by ultrasound. The ocular response analyzer was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-related IOP (IOPg), and cornea-compensated IOP (IOPcc) preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

At baseline, PK group had the lowest CH and CRF. There was a significant increase in CH and CRF to normal values in PK (P = 0.015 and 0.006) and PE (P = 0.005 and 0.0001) groups over the study period. At 6 months, CH and CRF increased and reached normal values in the PK group; increased to a lower level than normal in the DSAEK group; and, after an initial reduction, increased to normal values in the PE group. At 6 months, DSAEK group had the lowest CH and CRF. There was a significant positive correlation between CRF and GAT (r = 0.281, P = 0.009), IOPg and GAT (r = 0.335, P = 0.001), and IOPcc and GAT (r = 0.282, P = 0.001). CH was negatively correlated with age (r = - 0.189, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Corneal biomechanical factors increase after DSAEK and PK. At post-operative month six, they reach normal values in PK group, but are lower than normal in DSAEK group.

Corneal Biomechanics and Intraocular Pressure Following Scleral Lens Wear in Penetrating Keratoplasty and Keratoconus

OBJECTIVE

To compare corneal biomechanics and intraocular pressure (IOP) in keratoconus and penetrating keratoplasty eyes before and after nonfenestrated scleral lens wear.

METHODS

Twenty-three participants were enrolled, and 37 eyes were included in the analysis (11 penetrating keratoplasty and 26 keratoconus). A range of corneal biomechanical parameters and IOP were measured using the CORVIS ST before and after 8 hr of nonfenestrated scleral lens wear (Keracare, Acculens, Denver, CO).

RESULTS

Before lens wear, penetrating keratoplasty eyes displayed significantly greater median values for central corneal thickness (97 μm thicker, P=0.02), IOP (3.89 mm Hg higher, P=0.01), and biomechanical parameter A2 length (0.48 mm longer, P=0.003) compared with keratoconic eyes. No significant changes in corneal biomechanical parameters or IOP were observed after scleral lens wear in either group (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although nonfenestrated scleral contact lenses can induce a subatmospheric pressure after lens settling and compress tissue surrounding the limbus, no significant changes were detected in the corneal biomechanical parameters studied using CORVIS ST after scleral lens wear in eyes with penetrating keratoplasty and keratoconus.

Tectonic Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for corneal perforation

We report the use of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for the treatment of sterile corneal perforation after trauma. In an eye with corneal perforation and cataract due to trauma, cataract surgery and DSAEK were performed. Corneal integrity was promptly restored and the patient avoided tectonic anterior lamellar and penetrating keratoplasty. DSAEK may be performed for the management of corneal perforation.

Outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconic eyes with and without previous hydrops

PURPOSE

The study aims to compare outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconic eyes with or without previous hydrops.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 211 eyes who received PK (group 1, n = 74 [history of hydrops: n = 33]) or DALK (group 2, n = 137 [history of hydrops: n = 9]) from 2012 to 2019 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Germany. Analysis included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), complications, immune reactions, graft survival and keratometry, and subgroup analyses for subjects with or without previous hydrops.

RESULTS

Follow-up was 34.0 ± 23.6 months in group 1 and 30.7 ± 22.5 months in group 2. No significant difference was found in the course of BSCVA between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.182) and in postoperative BSCVA between eyes with and without previous hydrops, regardless of the surgical method (p = 0.768). Endothelial immune reactions occurred exclusively in group 1 and did not occur more frequently in eyes with previous hydrops (p = 0.377). A higher risk of complications for eyes with previous hydrops was observed (p = 0.022). There was no difference in astigmatism and maximum keratometry (K_max) preoperatively and postoperatively between eyes with and without history of hydrops.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis for visual outcome after keratoplasty including visual acuity, astigmatism, and K_max for keratoconic eyes with previous hydrops is as good as for keratoconic eyes without previous hydrops, irrespective of the surgical method. However, eyes after hydrops seem to have an increased risk of complications.