Temporary Tarsorrhaphy Enhances Reepithelialization After Epikeratoplasty

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Abstract
To the Editor. —Most complications (loss of graft clarity, graft failure or dehiscence, microbial keratitis) following epikeratoplasty are related to delayed or incomplete reepithelialization.1 Factors that may contribute to epithelial failure include poor patient selection, inadequate postoperative care or follow-up, and variability in the epikeratoplasty lenticules.1 We have examined the effectiveness of bandage soft contact lenses (six cases), pressure patching (29 cases), and temporary tarsorrhaphy (13 cases) in the primary therapy of epithelial defects following epikeratoplasty. All 48 cases (20 adult cases of aphakia, 11 pediatric cases of aphakia, ten cases of keratoconus, and seven cases of myopia) met the criteria2 of having no preexisting ocular surface disorder (eg, dry eye or severe blepharitis) that would be expected to compromise epithelial recovery. All epikeratoplasties were performed according to standard protocols.3 In each case, the epithelium was débrided with application of 4% cocaine hydrochloride and removal with

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