Objective: To study the short-term outcome of Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in terms of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Graft survival and Post operative complications.

Materials and Methods: 56-Consecutive cases undergoing PKP from January 2014 to September 2015 were included in the study. Out of which 28-cases had bullous keratopathy either pseudophakic or aphakic, 24 had corneal scar following trauma, acid injury or keratitis, 2-case had graft failure and 2 had anterior staphyloma. PKP was performed in 22-cases and 6-cases had triple procedure. Follow-up examinations were done at post-operative day-1, 1-week, 1-month, 3 months and at the completion of 6-months. BCVA, graft survival and complications were noted in every visit.

Results: Mean age of study group was 49.04±10.2 year. Out of 56-cases underwent PKP 75% (42) were male and 25% (14) female. BCVA at final follow-up was: ≥6/60 in 53.57% (30) cases, 5/60-1/60 in 28.57% (16) cases and ≤1/60 in 17.85% (10) cases. At 3-months Grade-IV graft clarity was present in 7.1% (4), grade-III in 46.42% (26), grade-II 28.57% (16), grade-I 17.85% (10) cases. Overall Graft survival was 82.14%. Persistent epithelial defects in 25% (14), secondary glaucoma in 14.2 % (8), Graft rejection 7.1%(4) and Primary graft failure 3.57%(2) are the common complications.

Discussion:  PKP is an effective procedure for corneal disease with poor vision. In the present study visual outcome was good with most of the patients having BCVA ≥6/60 and having grade-lll graft clarity. The persistent epithelial defect was most common complication.

Key words: Penetrating keratoplasty, Bullous keratopathy, Corneal scars

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Dr Rishi Gupta

Senior Resident Sankara Nethralaya, Kolkata, India

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