New trends in corneal transplants at the University of Toronto.

OBJECTIVE

To assess trends in surgical procedures and indications for all corneal transplants performed at the University of Toronto.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand one hundred and four consecutive corneal transplants performed at the Kensington Eye Institute (KEI).

METHODS

Demographic, clinical, and pathological data retrieved from the Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory on all corneal transplants performed at the KEI from January 2014 to December 2016.

RESULTS

Over 3 years, partial-thickness lamellar keratoplasties were performed in 880 cases (80%) while full-thickness penetrating keratoplasties (PKP) accounted for 224 cases (20%). Leading causes of corneal transplant were Fuchs' dystrophy (42%), graft failure (17%), bullous keratopathy (15%), and keratoconus (15%). Graft failure (40%) and keratoconus (31%) were the leading causes for PKP. Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) accounted for 37% of cases, Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for 30%, and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for 13%. By 2016, partial-thickness procedures had increased by 10%, accounting for 85% of all procedures. In addition, DMEK increased by 26%, DSAEK decreased by 13%, and PKP decreased by 11%. Fuchs' dystrophy remained the leading indication for DMEK (67%) and DSAEK (42%) procedures. In 2016, 73% of DALK procedures were for the treatment of keratoconus.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial-thickness corneal transplants now account for 85% of all current graft procedures, and DMEK has emerged as the procedure of choice. Graft failure continues to be the leading indication for full-thickness grafts. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these new trends persist and their future impact on graft failures.