Keratoplasty to restore vision in trachomatous corneal opacity: A literature review.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis

Global Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Published: November 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • Trachoma is the primary infectious cause of blindness, and individuals with trachomatous corneal opacity (TCO) are considered at high risk for graft failure in corneal transplantation.
  • A review of studies from 1992 to 2022 found that 71% of grafts were clear at follow-up, but there was significant variability in study quality and reporting.
  • Although evidence is limited, keratoplasty appears to improve vision in TCO patients, suggesting potential benefits for this underserved group.

Article Abstract

Background: Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness. Patients with trachomatous corneal opacity (TCO) are traditionally considered high-risk cases for graft failure. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that corneal transplantation may restore vision in such individuals. We wanted to review the available evidence for keratoplasty outcomes in TCO.

Methods: A literature search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science was performed using the search terms "trachoma* AND (keratoplasty OR cornea* transplant*)". The search was restricted to studies published between 1 January 1992 and 12 October 2022. All types of prospective and retrospective study designs reporting outcomes of keratoplasty in trachoma were included. The primary outcome assessed was rate of graft survival in patients with TCO who received keratoplasty. Secondary outcomes were postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and graft rejection rates.

Results: Seven studies met our inclusion criteria. None were prospective trials; 215/302 grafts (71%) were clear at final follow-up. There was significant variability between studies in the reporting of patient characteristics, follow-up, complications, and outcomes. In data on penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), graft survival at final follow-up was observed in 161/195 eyes (83%). Studies assessing lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) reported graft survival in 18/20 eyes (90%). Rejection episodes were reported in 31/167 (19%) eyes managed with PKP and 0 of 20 eyes managed with LKP. Of 163 eyes, preoperative BCVA was ≤counting fingers in 76% and ≤6/60 in 91%. A postoperative BCVA of >6/60 was achieved in 63% of eyes.

Conclusions: There is a paucity of evidence supporting keratoplasty in TCO. However, it may hold visual rehabilitation promise for people whose needs have to date been largely ignored. More structured reporting of outcomes from centres which perform keratoplasty in TCO and a well-designed prospective study would be valuable additions to the literature.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11573149PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012535DOI Listing

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