Prognostic Value Of The Ocular Trauma Score In Post-Traumatic Penetrating Keratoplasty

Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS

Reference: POCOR143 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/0s84-tm77

Authors: Dr Elif Akbas Ulman* ¹ , Prof. Dr Ozlem Barut Selver ² , A/Prof. Cumali Degirmenci ² , Prof. Dr Melis Palamar ²

¹Ophthalmology ,Bakircay University Cigli Training and Research Hospital,Izmir,Türkiye, ²Ophthalmology ,Ege University,Izmir,Türkiye

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic utility of the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) in predicting visual and surgical outcomes following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with open-globe injuries.

Setting

Tertiary referral ophthalmology center.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty following open-globe trauma between 2015 and 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) was calculated at initial presentation. Final best-corrected visual acuity, graft clarity duration, graft rejection and failure, posterior segment involvement, and trauma-to-keratoplasty interval were recorded. Associations between OTS and clinical outcomes were evaluated using Spearman correlation and chi-square tests.

Results

Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients were included. The mean age was 46.0±12.3 (21-64) years. The mean time from trauma to PKP was 14.1±8.6 (1-48) months, and the mean follow-up was 36.7±25.2 (13-117) months. Higher OTS correlated with better final visual acuity (Spearman ρ=–0.57, p<0.001) and longer graft clarity duration (ρ=0.47, p<0.001). Lower OTS was associated with higher graft failure rates (χ² =13.98, p=0.0009) and posterior segment involvement (χ²=9.93, p=0.0016). No significant association was found between OTS and graft rejection (p=0.665). The interval between trauma and PKP was not correlated with final visual acuity (ρ=0.23, p=0.098) or graft clarity duration (ρ=–0.09, p=0.499).

Conclusions

OTS correlated with visual acuity and graft clarity duration after post-traumatic penetrating keratoplasty and demonstrated an association with graft failure. Posterior segment involvement increased failure risk, whereas the trauma-to-keratoplasty interval showed no prognostic value. These findings indicate that OTS is a robust preoperative prognostic indicator not only for visual outcomes but also for predicting surgical success after penetrating keratoplasty for ocular trauma. Incorporating OTS into preoperative PK assessment may enhance individualized risk stratification and patient counseling.