Structural and functional salvaging of eyes with anterior staphyloma using cyclodialysis with penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel technique of anterior segment reconstruction and cyclodialysis in patients with anterior staphyloma. METHODS: A prospective case series of 8 consecutive patients who underwent anterior segment restoration with penetrating keratoplasty and cyclodialysis was analyzed. The main parameters evaluated were structural success of the graft, improvement in visual acuity, and intraocular pressure. RESULTS: The globe could be salvaged in all the cases, and 75% (6 of 8) of the cases had clear graft at 6-month follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from hand motion close to face to 6/12. None of the patients developed glaucoma during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative creation of a cyclodialysis cleft can aid in adequate postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) control and hence decrease the likelihood of graft failure because of raised IOP in eyes predisposed to development of postkeratoplasty glaucoma.