The Keratometric and Refractive Value Change According to Trephine Size Difference after Keratoplasty in Keratoconus

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate mean keratometric and refractive value after penetrating keratoplasty according to the difference between donor and recipient cornea size. METHODS: In a retrospective study, Keratoconus patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus from January 2005 to July 2008 were examined. Preoperatively, axial length was measured using applanation ultrasonography and anterior chamber depth, white to white diameter were also measured using the corneal topography. The trephine size of donor and recipient during the surgery were recorded. Preoperatively, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively refraction and keratometric value were evaluated in groups divided according to corneal trephine size difference. RESULTS: Among the 41 eyes of 41 patients, there was a mean age at transplant of 26.4 years. After surgery, the decrease of anterior chamber depth could contribute to the decrease of myopic change. However, the differences between donor and recipient cornea size do not have a significant affect on postoperative keratometric or refractive value. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference between the postoperative keratometric value and the corneal trephine size difference in keratoconus patients.