Purpose: To report and discuss cases of lamellar keratoplasty using corneas
obtained during previous penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus eyes.
Methods: Corneal buttons were obtained from 7 keratoconus patients and stor
ed in a preserving solution for 7-60 days (average, 32.4 days) before use.
The recipient eyes comprised recurrent pterygium 3 eyes, primary pterygium
1 eye, pseudopterygium 1 eye, corneal perforation with iris prolapse due to
fungal corneal ulcer 1 eye, and limbal dermoid 1 eye.
Results: The recipient eyes ran favorable courses in general. Graft rejecti
on developed in 2 eyes and was successfully treated with topical and system
ic corticosteroid.
Conclusions: Preserved corneas from keratoconus eyes were found useful in t
herapeutic lamellar keratoplasty. By this procedure, the current inadequate
supply of donor corneas in eye banks in Japan can be augmented. (C) 1999 J
apanese Ophthalmological Society.