Indications of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Kerman during 2004-2006

Background & Aims: This study was carried out to determine the leading indications for corneal transplantation in Kerman province. Methods: Medical records of 186 patients underwent corneal transplantation during 3 years (2004-2006) in Shafa Medical Center were evaluated retrospectively. The initial diagnosis and causes of corneal grafting were recorded. Infectious keratitis (Bacterial, Fungal, and acanthamoeba keratitis), corneal opacity and scarring, keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, regrafting, corneal dystrophy and degeneration, herpes simplex keratopathy (active keratitis), etc. were considered as indications of corneal transplantation. Results: A total of 186 patients (110 males, 76 females) were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 47.7± 24.3 years (6-85). The leading indications of grafting was corneal opacity (32.3%) followed by keratoconus (22.6%), bacterial keratitis (15.6%), aphakic bullous keratopathy (6.7%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (6.5%), regrafting (4.8%), herpes simplex keratopathy (3.8%), fungal keratitis (1.6%), corneal dystrophy (1.6%) and spheroidal degeneration (1.6%). Conclusion: Corneal opacity and scarring were the most common indications of corneal transplantation that might be due to high prevalence of infectious keratitis in this region.