Visual function after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: a prospective longitudinal evaluation

Aims-To evaluate visual function and vision specific health status in patie nts undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. Methods-A prospective longitudinal study measuring logMAR visual acuity, co ntrast sensitivity, disability glare, binocular visual field, stereoacuity, and subjective visual function (VF-14) was conducted on 18 patients with k eratoconus undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK), including six patients who had already had PK in the fellow eye. Data were collected preoperative ly and at 3, 9, and 18 months after surgery. Results-Within 3 months of surgery there was significant improvement in aid ed visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity (p<0.05); disabili ty glare (p<0.05) no longer had a significant detrimental effect on these v ariables. VF-14 score improved significantly throughout the postoperative p eriod (p<0.05). There was significant correlation of the VF-14 score with a ided visual acuity, binocular visual field, and stereoacuity. Postoperative astigmatism (<4D v >4D) did not affect the VF-14 score significantly. Conclusions-There is substantial and rapid improvement in visual function a nd vision specific health status in keratoconic patients as a result of unc omplicated penetrating keratoplasty.