Abstract

AIM: To determine if the addition of topical tacrolimus in patients who underwent therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) for fungal ulcers is beneficial in terms of graft clarity.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Fourteen patients with smear or culture-positive fungal ulcers requiring TPK were included. Patients were treated with topical Natamycin 5%, Tacrolimus 0.1% post-therapeutic keratoplasty, cycloplegics, and analgesics.
RESULTS: The average age was 62 years with 11 male and 3 female. The types of fungi cultured on agar were as follows: 3 were Fusarium, 5 were Aspergillus, and 1 was Scedosporium. On average, the ulcers had a diameter of 7 mm. The average cell density of the donor corneal buttons used was 2479. The average size of the donor graft was 9mm, and in eight cases, the crystalline lens was removed during therapeutic keratoplasty.The graft outcomes at 3 month followup were as follows: two were clear, two had mild edema, two had moderate edema, and three had severe edema.