A Case of Anterior Synechiolysis with Lamellar Corneal Dissection in Penetrating Keratoplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of anterior synechiolysis with lamellar corneal dissection in penetrating keratoplasty. CASE SUMMARY: In an eye with graft failure and anterior synechiae, we performed anterior synechiolysis with a healon needle after lamellar dissection using vacuum trephine to visualize the anterior chamber during penetrating keratoplasty. Additionally, the remnant corneal layer was removed using corneal scissors. A donor cornea was harvested using a vacuum trephine and the corneal button was sewn in place with 10-0 nylon. We observed a well grafted cornea and well formed anterior chamber with no anterior synechiae observed on follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with anterior synechiae, the cornea can be dissected from the anterior synechiae completely using lamellar corneal dissection in penetrating keratoplasty to visualize the anterior chamber.