Penetrating keratoplasty in patients with corneal scarring due to trachoma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Trachoma remains the Leading cause of preventable corneal blindness. The outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in these p atients is usually poor because of the extensive corneal vascularization, a dnexal and ocular surface problems. We evaluated the long-term results of P K in patients with corneal scarring due to trachoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The fiels of 16 eyes of 13 patients who underwent PK due to late sequel of trachoma were reviewed. RESULTS: Preoperative visual acuity ranged from Light perception to finger counting Levels. Preoperatively, dry-eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction, tri chiasis and cicatricial entropion were treated. Over a mean postoperative f ollow-up of 26.1 +/- 15.6 months (range of 14-61 months), eyes required red rafting due to graft rejection and failure, and corneal ulceration (12.5%). Fourteen eyes remained clear grafts (87.5%), and 13 eyes (81.3%) achieved 0.1 or better visual acuity, CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that although patients with corneal scar ring due to trachoma are at high risk, PK may be helpful for visual rehabil itation.