[Penetrating keratoplasty in children].

OBJECTIVE

The study was designed to approach the operative techniques of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in children and the influential factors on the rate of graft clarity.

METHODS

PKP was performed on 33 eyes of 30 children whose corneal opacities resulted from various causes and they were followed for 6 months to 3 years.

RESULTS

The rate of graft clarity was 66.7% and 44.8% of these eyes were relieved from blindness. The poorest results achieved were in cases with congenital corneal opacity and the main cause of graft failure is endothelial immune rejection.

CONCLUSION

Although the surgical results in children are poorer than that in adults, from the concern of prevention of amblyopia and cosmetic problem, it is necessary to perform the operation earlier.