Feasibility and Outcomes of Corneal Transplantation Performed at Rural Centers: An Extension of the Pyramidal Model of Enhanced Eye Care at Rural Outreach.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report on the feasibility of setting up a system of corneal transplants at rural outreach centers and report the outcomes of the first 111 cases. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the outcomes of corneal transplantation performed on patients with optical indications between March 2016 and September 2019 at 4 secondary (rural) centers. The centers are a part of a network in the pyramidal model developed by L V Prasad Eye Institute. The graft clarity and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1-year follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, 34.23% underwent penetrating keratoplasty and 65.77% endothelial keratoplasty. The mean age was 59.4 ± 15.0 (range-17-86 years); 47.75% were men and 52.25% were women. The indications for surgery were bullous keratopathy (54.05%), corneal scar/adherent leukoma (23.42%), and repeat grafts (13.51%). At the end of 1 year, 69.37% grafts remained clear. Factors associated with graft failure included poor socioeconomic status and graft infiltrate in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Surgical technique of endothelial keratoplasty was associated with failure on multivariate analysis only. Of the 77 eyes with clear corneal grafts at 1 year, the preoperative mean logMAR BCVA was 1.91 ± 0.06, which improved to 0.90 ± 0.08 postoperatively. Overall, 84.4% had preoperative BCVA of <3/60. Postoperatively, 40% had BCVA of 6/18 or better. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that close to 70% grafts remained clear at 1 year. Graft failure was associated with poor socioeconomic status and graft infiltrates. This study established a viable model for delivery of corneal transplant surgery and care in a rural setup.