Evaluation of the Cornea and Anterior Chamber Morphologic Changes After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Patients With Keratoconus.

Objectives: To evaluate changes of the cornea and anterior chamber after penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with keratoconus.

Methods: Medical records of 68 eyes of 68 patients with keratoconus who experienced penetrating keratoplasty at the Eye Clinic of Dr. Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Research and Training Hospital between 2010 and 2012 were studied. Records were retrospectively evaluated with regard to anterior chamber depth, iridocorneal angle, central corneal thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, maximum keratometric value, and mean keratometric value. Patients who developed complications and required additional surgery were excluded.

Results: A total of 68 eyes of 68 patients were included in this study. There were 40 (58.8%) male and 28 (41.2%) female patients. The mean age was 24.5±8.19 years (range: 11-42 years). The graft diameter was 7.5 mm and the recipient bed diameter was 7.0 mm in all patients. The preoperative anterior chamber depth decreased from 3.92±0.47 mm to 3.01±0.55 mm (23% decrease). No significant postoperative change was observed in the mean iridocorneal angle values. Keratometric values decreased by 30% and corneal thickness increased by 50% (P<0.001 for both).

Conclusion: Anterior chamber depth decreased significantly, but no change was observed in iridocorneal angle after penetrating keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus. Also, a decrease in the keratometric values and an increase in corneal thickness were observed. Understanding, estimating, and managing changes in the anterior chamber after penetrating keratoplasty, which induces significant changes in anterior chamber morphology, might increase the success of surgery.