Results of penetrating keratoplasty by residents
R. E. Wiggins, M. Cobo and G. N. Foulks
Duke Eye Center, Durham, NC 27710.
There is little information regarding the results of penetrating
keratoplasty for the novice transplant surgeon. We reviewed 63 consecutive
cases of penetrating keratoplasty performed by senior residents at our
institution. Of 59 cases with a 1-year follow-up, 76% remained clear; the
mean astigmatism was 4.15 diopters, and the median visual acuity was 20/50.
The two major postoperative complications were graft rejection and
increased intraocular pressure, which occurred in 22% and 16% of cases,
respectively. In a well-supervised setting, residents can be introduced to
the basic principles of keratoplasty and achieve results comparable with
those reported in the literature.
