Patch endothelial keratoplasty for corneal perforations secondary to ocular surface disease: case series

Background Corneal perforation is an ophthalmic emergency. The conventional management of corneal perforation can be associated with severe complications especially in patients with ocular surface disease. Endothelial keratoplasty has been suggested as an alternative surgical technique for the management of corneal perforations. We present a case series of nine patients with corneal perforation and ocular surface disease managed with secondary patch endothelial keratoplasty. Methods This is a retrospective case series of nine patch endothelial keratoplasties performed between 2016 and 2022 at a quaternary eye hospital in Australia. The surgical technique is similar to conventional endothelial keratoplasty except descemetorhexis was not performed. Results A total of 9 cases were treated during the review period. Eight of the nine cases had an improvement in visual acuity. One case failed to achieve corneal tectonic objective. Conclusion Patch endothelial keratoplasty is a safe secondary procedure for the management of corneal perforations in patients with ocular surface disease.