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Anterior lamellar keratoplasty using gamma-irradiated corneal graft: an innovative approach regarding ALK

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea

Session Date/Time: Sunday 16/02/2014 | 08:30-11:00

Paper Time: 08:54

Venue: Linhart Hall (Level -2)

First Author: : ConstantineKakulidis SLOVAKIA

Co Author(s): :    Andrej Cernak              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the utility and the efficacy of gamma- irradiated corneal allografts. To report the clinical outcomes of lamellar keratoplasty using sterile, gamma-irradiated corneal tissues (Vision Graft) for partial-thickness corneal defects

Setting:

Ophthalmology Clinic, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Slovakia

Methods:

A patient with a very hazy cornea was operated at The Cyril & Methodius University Eye Hospital. Indication for surgery was superficial keratitis with intense neovascularization of the cornea. A full moon graft with thickness 300 microns, disposable trephine with 9 millimeters diameter and a circular non interrupted 10/0 nylon suture was used to secure the graft. Rate of epithelialization, neovascularization and clarity of the graft at the last visit were assessed retrospectively.

Results:

The epithelialization of the graft was achieved 6 days after the operation. The donor tissue remained clear over a period of 6 months. No immune rejection, infection, significant opacification, of the donor tissues were noted during a follow-up period. A slight neovascularization were noted in between the irradiated graft and the stroma of the recipient without any further progression. The visual acuity before the operation was hand movement, immediately after was 5/10 and 6 months after was 4/10

Conclusions:

Irradiated Corneal Grafts may be considered as an alternative solution of fresh donor corneas for lamellar corneal patch grafts because of their affectivity, availability, easy handling, and lack of immunogenicity - neovascularization. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE