Novel method to avoid the open-sky condition in penetrating keratoplasty: covered cornea technique.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present a novel technique to avoid the open-sky condition in pediatric and adult penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

Seventy-two eyes of 65 infants and children and 44 eyes of 44 adult patients were operated on using this technique. After trephining the recipient cornea up to a depth of 50% to 70%, the anterior chamber was entered at 1 point. Then, only a 2 clock hour segment of the recipient button was incised, and this segment was sutured to the recipient rim with a single tight suture. The procedure was repeated until the entire recipient button was excised and resutured. The donor corneal button was sutured to the recipient corneal rim. The sutures between the recipient button and the rim were then cut off, and the recipient button was drawn out.

RESULTS

None of the patients operated on with this technique developed complications related to the open-sky condition. Visual acuities, graft failure rates, and endothelial cell loss were comparable with the findings of studies performed for conventional PK.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique described avoids the open-sky condition during the entire PK procedure. Endothelial cell loss rates are acceptable.