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Br J Ophthalmol 2000;84:60-66 doi:10.1136/bjo.84.1.60
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Visual function after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus: a prospective longitudinal evaluation

  1. Arun Brahmaa,
  2. Fergal Ennisb,
  3. Robert Harperb,
  4. Alan Ridgwayc,
  5. Andrew Tulloc
  1. aDepartment of Ophthalmology, Manchester University and the Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, bDepartment of Optometry, Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, cRoyal Eye Hospital, Manchester
  1. Andrew Tullo, Royal Eye Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WH
  • Accepted 23 August 1999

Abstract

AIMS To evaluate visual function and vision specific health status in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.

METHODS A prospective longitudinal study measuring logMAR visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, disability glare, binocular visual field, stereoacuity, and subjective visual function (VF-14) was conducted on 18 patients with keratoconus undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK), including six patients who had already had PK in the fellow eye. Data were collected preoperatively and at 3, 9, and 18 months after surgery.

RESULTS Within 3 months of surgery there was significant improvement in aided visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity (p<0.05); disability glare (p<0.05) no longer had a significant detrimental effect on these variables. VF-14 score improved significantly throughout the postoperative period (p<0.05). There was significant correlation of the VF-14 score with aided visual acuity, binocular visual field, and stereoacuity. Postoperative astigmatism (<4Dv >4D) did not affect the VF-14 score significantly.

CONCLUSIONS There is substantial and rapid improvement in visual function and vision specific health status in keratoconic patients as a result of uncomplicated penetrating keratoplasty.

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