Penetrating keratoplasty for corneal scarring due to herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

We retrospectively studied the postoperative results in nine patients with corneal scarring due to herpes zoster ophthalmicus who underwent penetrating keratoplasty. This was a highly selected group that satisfied all of the following criteria: (a) absence of active disease of the ocular surface and eyelids, (b) intraocular pressure under control, and (c) absence of active keratouveitis. Penetrating keratoplasty after herpes zoster ophthalmicus may do well in patients with long preoperative quiescent periods in whom these restrictive preoperative criteria are observed.