Purpose: To evaluate the results of corneal transplantation for herpes simplex keratitis. Methods: The records of thirty-eight patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis, from 1993 to 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 68 months (mean 21). Results: The survival rate of a clear graft was 81.6%. Allograft rejection was observed in 36.8% and herpetic recurrence occurred in 10.5%. Visual acuities of 20/80 or better were achieved in 60%. Prophylactic antiviral treatment was not associated with increase in corneal graft survival rate. Conclusion: Better results have been achieved on keratoplasty for herpetic keratitis.
Corneal transplantation; Keratitis herpetic; Graft rejection; Postoperative complications; Recurrence; Retrospective studies
