Therapeutic keratoplasty using preserved corneas from keratoconus eyes

Abstract

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 stored 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 rejection developed in 2 eyes and was successfully treated with topical and systemic corticosteroid.

Conclusions: Preserved corneas from keratoconus eyes were found useful in therapeutic lamellar keratoplasty. By this procedure, the current inadequate supply of donor corneas in eye banks in Japan can be augmented.