Surgical Treatment of Bullous Keratopathy

Two years ago at this meeting I discussed the use of conjunctival flaps in the treatment of various corneal diseases.¹ At that time I also described a technique of applying total conjunctival flap for the covering of the cornea. This technique gave reasonable assurance that the cornea would remain covered permanently. In the same presentation I discussed briefly the treatment of bullous keratopathy by the use of lamellar keratectomy combined with conjunctival flaps. It is the purpose of today's paper to describe further experiences with bullous keratopathy and to outline more specific surgical procedures for its treatment.

Bullous keratopathy is defined as an irreversible corneal edema. This condition is distressing to both patient and physician since practically all treatments have been ineffectual. The course of the disease, with few exceptions, is a downward one, causing progressive loss of vision and usually intractable pain.

Unfortunately the disease is not rare.