OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of fungal keratitis with corneal perforation. METHODS: 40 patients (40 eyes) with corneal perforation secondary to fungal keratitis underwent PKP at Qingdao Eye Hospital from 1994 to 2003. The follow-up ranged from 6-24 months. The postoperative visual acuity and complications were documented. RESULTS: 39 (97.5%) patients preserved the eyeballs. The visual acuity improved in 38 (95.0%) eyes. Fungal infection recurred in 4 eyes, 3 of which were controlled with antifungal medication and 1 was enucleated because of the uncontrolled endophthalmitis. Graft rejection was observed in 15 (37.5%) eyes, 12 of which were cured with medication and 3 received secondary PKP. 3 (7.5%) eyes had graft ulceration, 2 of which were cured and the other one was regrafted because of severe endothelial cell loss. 5 (12.5%) eyes had secondary glaucoma, and the intraocular pressure was controlled medically and surgically. Complicated cataract occurred in 5 (12.5%) eyes, 3 of which underwent cataract extraction. Most complications were controlled successfully. At last follow-up, 36 (90.0%) grafts were clear. CONCLUSION: PKP is an effective approach for preservation of eyeballs and restoration of visual function in patients eyes with fungal keratitis and corneal perforation.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of fungal keratitis with corneal perforation. METHODS: 40 patients (40 eyes) with corneal perforation secondary to fungal keratitis underwent PKP at Qingdao Eye Hospital from 1994 to 2003. The follow-up ranged from 6-24 months. The postoperative visual acuity and complications were documented. RESULTS: 39 (97.5%) patients preserved the eyeballs. The visual acuity improved in 38 (95.0%) eyes. Fungal infection recurred in 4 eyes, 3 of which were controlled with antifungal medication and 1 was enucleated because of the uncontrolled endophthalmitis. Graft rejection was observed in 15 (37.5%) eyes, 12 of which were cured with medication and 3 received secondary PKP. 3 (7.5%) eyes had graft ulceration, 2 of which were cured and the other one was regrafted because of severe endothelial cell loss. 5 (12.5%) eyes had secondary glaucoma, and the intraocular pressure was controlled medically and surgically. Complicated cataract occurred in 5 (12.5%) eyes, 3 of which underwent cataract extraction. Most complications were controlled successfully. At last follow-up, 36 (90.0%) grafts were clear. CONCLUSION: PKP is an effective approach for preservation of eyeballs and restoration of visual function in patients eyes with fungal keratitis and corneal perforation.