[Value of perforating keratoplasty in the treatment of chronic oedemas of the cornea (author's transl)].

A total of 75 cases of chronic diffuse or central oedemas of the cornea were treated, and the modern techniques of perforating keratoplasty used gave 68% of good anatomical results for all the various etiologies taken together. Prognosis varies according to whether there is one or many etiological factors. In "simple" cases with a single etiopathogenic mechanism, 88% of good anatomical results were obtained and the patient has a 50% chance of recuperating visual acuity from 5 to 10/10 Pa2. In "complex" cases, or when surgical treatment of the oedema had been previously attempted, only 30% of good anatomical results were obtained and there is a 60% chance of not helping the patient in any way.