[Analysis of 24 viral keratitis cases treated by corneal graft from 1998-2000].

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical character of patients with keratoplasty after viral keratitis and comparison of pre- and postoperative visual acuity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 24 patients treated using corneal graft after viral keratitis complications. Sex, age, permanent residence, duration of disease, previous pharmacological treatment, indications to corneal graft and postoperative functional results were evaluated. RESULTS: In 24 cases 16 (66.7%) were males in age 38-75 years old. Eight (33.3%) of the 24 cases were females in age 12-78 years old. Visual acuity improvement after corneal graft was observed in 23 patients. There was no visual acuity improvement in one case with considerable degree of optic nerve lesion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of these examinations showed, that keratoplasty after viral keratitis complications were more frequent in males, especially in 40-59 age range, professionally engaged. Statistical analysis of these cases showed good prognosis of visual acuity improvement after surgical treatment.