Corneal sensitivity in keratoconus afterpenetrating and deep anterior lamellarkeratoplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate recovery of corneal sensitivity in the graft following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in patients with keratoconus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 113 eyes of 113 patients (39 females, 74 males) were examined. All eyes had undergone corneal grafting: 39 PK, 74 DALK. Corneal sensitivity tested using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer was evaluated the day before and 3 days, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. The corneal sensitivity recovery was associated with surgical techniques (PK or DALK), age and sex of recipient and donor, cadaver time and type of preservation of the cornea. RESULTS: The average percentage of recovery of corneal sensitivity was 91% at 2 years. Surgical techniques and other qualitative and quantitative variables did not affect the statistically significant recovery of corneal sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: In both surgical techniques, PK and DALK, we noticed a good recovery of corneal sensitivity in 2 years.