Managing posterior pressure during pseudophakic keratoplasty
D. L. McCartney, J. D. Gottsch and W. J. Stark
Department of Ophthalmology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79430.
Positive vitreous pressure during penetrating keratoplasty can be difficult
to manage. Despite preventive measures, positive vitreous pressure may
occur and appropriate intervention is necessary to prevent serious
complications. We describe a technique that may be used intraoperatively to
restore a formed anterior segment and to prevent vitreous loss when
persistent positive vitreous pressure occurs, while attempting to implant a
pseudophakos. A 27-gauge needle, passed across the anterior chamber from
limbus to limbus, just anterior to the iris, will stabilize the
pseudophakos, restore the anterior chamber depth, and allow donor-tissue
suturing.
