Indications for penetrating keratoplasty in the Philippines

Abstract

Objective: To determine the indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in the Philippines.

Method: This is a retrospective review of data collected by the Sta. Lucia International Eye Bank Foundation (SLIEBF) of Manila based on postoperative reports of penetrating keratoplasty.

Results: A total of 2,131 postoperative reports from 1996 to 2004 were reviewed. The average age of recipients was 47.2 years. The age distribution was bimodal, with peaks at 35 to 45 years and at 65 to 75 years. The leading indications for PKP were corneal scars (23.9%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (19.7%), microbial keratitis (17.6%), regrafts (9.8%), and aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) (5.6%). Indications for PKP showed increasing trend for regraft and decreasing trend for corneal scar. Trauma, microbial keratitis, and corneal scar were more common among males while Fuch’s dystrophy, corneal stromal dystrophy, PBK, and glaucoma causing bullous keratopathy were more common among females. Corneal scar, microbial keratitis, and viral infection were frequently seen among those in the lower socioeconomic groups while PBK, ABK, regraft, Fuch’s, and keratoconus were seen among more affluent patients.

Conclusion: Corneal scar, PBK, and microbial keratitis were the leading indications for PKP in the Philippines from 1996 to 2004. There was an increasing trend toward regraft and a decreasing trend for corneal scar during the period.