Clinical Observation of Corneal Graft: An Interim Report of 25 Keratoplasties

ABSTRACT

Authors performed 25 corneal grafts in 24 patients since the inauguration of The Central Eye Bank, attached to the Department of Ophthalmology, St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Medical College, in April 19, 1967. Method and results of these cases are as follows; METHOD: In technique of surgery, the grafts in most of the cases were 7 mm in diameter(Table 3), in two types of penetrating and lamellar corneal grafts(Table 4). The donor material came from patient age group of 51-60 years old in most and was used within 24 hours after death (Table 5). In most cases we placed 12 interrupted sutures except of two cases for continuous suture by 8-0 virgin silks. Preoperative and postoperative cares were routine with systemic dexamethasone, 7.0mg a day was given routinely on the 5 th postoperative day for 30-50 days because of prevention of graft rejection. RESULTS AND SUMMARY: Table 7 summbrizes the results of our observation. Nineteen of the 25 grafts remained clear. And there was improved vision above 20/200 in ten eyes out of nineteen clear grafts. Table 10 lists the reasons why nine clear grafts did not improve vision. Postoperative complications occurred in fourteen grafts (Table 11). Penetrating corneal grafts for adherent leucoma courneae, staphyloma corneae and corneal scars from alkaline burn were failed to maintaining the clear graft. The donor material, the recipient cornea, graft rejection as a complication and its prevantion were discussed. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We wish to express our sincere gratitude to an those who have guided in carrying out the present investigation. In particular, We are jndebted to Dr. Bon Sool Koo, Former Chief and Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic Medical College. Dr. Sang Wook Rhee. Chief and Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Catholic Medical College.