Results of penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic corneal edema with retention of intraocular lens.

We reviewed the records of 26 consecutive patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for pseudophakic corneal edema in which the original intraocular lens was retained. The average interval between lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty was 31.5 months. Follow-up after keratoplasty ranged from 11 to 59 months, with an average of 24.5 months. Six patients had anterior chamber lenses; sixteen, iris or iridocapsular lenses; and four, posterior chamber lenses. A vitrectomy was performed in 14 (54%) patients. Of the 21 patients with clear grafts (80%), 8 (38%) had vision of 20/40 or better while 7 (33%) had acuities of 20/200 or worse. Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was attained by 3 of 4 (75%) patients with posterior chamber lenses but only 3 of 16 (19%) patients with iris-supported lenses. Cystoid macular edema was the principal cause of decreased acuity in 12 of the 13 patients with clear grafts and acuity less than 20/40. Angiographic confirmation was obtained in 7 of 12 patients. Overall, the results are similar to those reported for pseudophakic keratoplasty with intraocular lens removal. No adverse effect of retaining a securely fixated intraocular lens was demonstrated.