HISTOPATHOLOGIC CHANGES AFTER THERMOKERATOPLASTY FOR KERATOCONUS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 16  (1) , 32-38
Abstract
Six patients had penetrating keratoplasty following thermokeratoplasty (TKP) at different time intervals. The standard temperature used was between 90-95.degree. C with constant saline irrigation. The corneal buttons were studied by light microscopy and EM. Immediate changes observed included epithelial necrosis, marked degeneration of keratocytes and endothelial edema. After 24 h, evidence of acute inflammation was noted in the subepithelial zone and superficial stroma, and the endothelial changes persisted. One month after TKP, there was evidence of cellular regeneration of all the corneal layers. Eight months later, regeneration of the endothelial cells, keratocytes and epithelium was present. Regeneration of the epithelial basement membrane was defective.

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