Posters

Survival of the fittest: phacoemulsification outcomes in four of Dr Castroviejo's corneal transplants

Poster Details

First Author: R.Pineda USA

Co Author(s):    S. Rahim   S. Greenstein                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate and report the outcomes of four corneal grafts 45 years or more after phacoemulsification.

Setting:

The study was conducted in Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA

Methods:

A retrospective case series of four eyes in three patients (P1,P2,P3), undergoing phacoemulsification at least 45 years after corneal transplantation by Dr. Ramon Castroviejo. Corneal graft survival outcomes measures included: central corneal thickness (CCT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal clarity, and endothelial cell count (ECC).

Results:

Phacoemulsification was successfully completed in all four cases. There were no cases of graft failure postoperatively. Long term follow up revealed no meaningful change in CCT after phacoemulsification. One patient experienced a transient increase in CCT which returned to baseline at 22 months. At two to three years postoperatively, all four grafts remained clear.

Conclusions:

Limited data has been published on the long-term survival of corneal transplants after intra-ocular surgery; particularly, for extremely “mature” corneal transplants. This case series demonstrates that successful phacoemulsification can be performed in these eyes with excellent long term results.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE