Comparison Of Corneal Graft Sizes: What Is The Optimal Size?; A Prospective Study.

To measure the outcomes of large corneal grafts (more than 8.00mm in diameter) in comparison to small corneal graft size (less than 8.00mm) in keratoconus (KC) patients.

 At King Abdullaziz Medical City and King Abdulaziz University Hospital.

From the period of 2014 to 2023 corneal graft data were collected. Refractive results, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and symptom rejections were evaluated. Participants were divided into two groups based on the size of the trephination; (Group A: Trephination < 8 and Group B: Trephination ≥ 8). A comparative analysis was carried out to compare these group outcomes.

Out of 122 corneal grafts implanted: sixty-eight were in KC eyes. Small-graft group included 39 eyes (57%); with a mean age of 31.9 (±7.61) years and the mean trephination size of 7.56mm (±0.21). While the mean age in large-graft group was 37.1 (±8.52) years and the mean trephination size was 8.10 (±0.16). No statistically significant difference was noticed across the follow-up periods in VA, IOP, graft status, suture status, symptoms of rejection, post-operative drops, and previous complications between the two groups.

Larger grafts are comparable to smaller ones in terms of advantages and complications.