Keratoplasty in Qatar

To evaluate the indications and outcome of keratoplasty in Qatar, and to outline the main difficulties associated with keratoplasty in Qatar. A retrospective review of all keratoplasties performed at the Hamad Medical Corporation in the last 7 years regarding indications, procedures and outcome was carried out. Seventy-nine keratoplasties in 72 patients were evaluated. The mean age and was 50 years [SD+19.3]. The leading indications in order of frequency were keratoconus [30.4%], bullous karatopathy [24.1%], corneal opacities [21.5%], re-grafting [15.2%], corneal dystrophy [5.1%] and traumatic corneal scarring. Regarding outcome, clear graft was achieved in 57 eyes. The main causes for a poor outcome were glaucoma and graft rejection. The encouraging outcome of keratoplasties in Qatar has inspired us to launch a campaign for corneal donation to meet the increasing demand for graft materials and to propose the establishment of a national eye bank