Abstract

This study evaluates the indications and outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in pediatric patients, focusing on visual outcomes over a 12-month period. The most common reasons for keratoplasty include infectious keratitis (46%), postherpetic scarring (20%), and trauma-induced opacities (12%). The study found that 45.8% of all paediatric keratoplasties had a BCSVA of 20/200 or better, and 20.8% had a BCSVA of 20/80 or better. In 38% of cases, spectacles or contact lenses were provided. Optical correction and amblyopia therapy improved visual acuity in 63% of cases compared to 22% with loss on follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative BCVA differed significantly, with 35% showing positive differences and 45% showing negative differences. BCVA > 20/200 was achieved in 25% of eyes.Patients with less frequent pathologies, such as Peter's anomaly, sclerocornea with ocular morbidities, and combined procedures had the worst outcome with high rejection rates.

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