Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis: results of penetrating keratoplasty in Alaskan natives.

Corneal scarring secondary to inactive phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis (PKC) is a significant cause of decreased vision in Alaskan Natives. The results of primary penetrating keratoplasty for such cases at the Alaska Native Medical Center form the basis of this report. Eighteen cases met the criteria established for this study. Fourteen (79 percent) had clear grafts at least six months after surgery (average follow-up: 46 months). Of the twelve grafts performed using 10-0 nylon and the operating microscope, 11 (92 percent) were clear. Twelve of the 14 persons with clear grafts had improved vision of at least two lines on the Snellen chart. On the basis of this report, penetrating keratoplasty for corneal scarring due to PKC seems to have a favorable prognosis.