Trends in the distribution of donor corneal tissue and indications for corneal transplantation: the New Zealand National Eye Bank Study 2000–2009

Abstract

This New Zealand National Eye Bank study provides valuable data regarding the indications for corneal transplantation, transplant recipient demographics and changes in transplantation type in New Zealand over the past decade.

Corneal Transplantation Activity Over 7 Years: Changing Trends for Indications, Patient Demographics and Surgical Techniques From the Corneal Transplant Epidemiological Study (CORTES)

“…Keratoconus alone accounted for more than one-third of all keratoplasties, an incidence comparable only to that reported by the New Zealand National Eye Bank Study [30] and by Zare et al [31], more than double that of North America countries, and much different to that of the remaining surveys. Whether this finding might depend on different prevalence of the disease or therapeutic approaches, in terms of priority or techniques, merits further investigation.…”

Nonlinear optical collagen cross-linking and mechanical stiffening: a possible photodynamic therapeutic approach to treating corneal ectasia

“…3,4 Keratoconus affects one in 2000 individuals in the United States and is the most common cause for corneal transplantation surgery. 5,6 A strategy for treating keratoconus has been introduced by Spoerl et al that involves photoactivation of riboflavin by ultraviolet A light (UVA) inducing collagen cross-linking (CXL) leading to mechanical stiffening of the cornea. 7,8 Clinical results suggest that UVA CXL is effective in treating ectasia and that treatment substantially, if not permanently, halts the progression and delays the need for corneal transplantation.…”

An 11-Year Review of Keratoplasty in a Tertiary Referral Center in Turkey: Changing Surgical Techniques for Similar Indications

“…1,2,6,12,13,16 An increasingly aging population of FED patients in these countries seems to be a major contributing factor to this trend. A more rapid visual recovery with DSAEK compared with PK has allowed surgeons and patients to consider earlier interventions for FED and BK indications.…”

“…This finding of an increasing trend toward DALK was consistent with reports from western countries, albeit with a slight delay. 1,6,7,12,13 DALK was the most common surgical technique chosen for KCN and stromal corneal dystrophy indications in this series. Given comparable visual rehabilitation outcomes, DALK is an excellent alternative to PK and is the preferred surgical practice for anterior corneal diseases.…”

“…Accordingly, a major shift has begun away from PK and toward LK in developing countries as well. 1,7,11,12 With these improved outcomes associated with LK techniques, we believe it is necessary for tertiary referral centers in the developing world to stay up to date and use increase utilization of these state-of-the art treatment modalities. Therefore, we initiated this study to determine the trends of clinical indications and corneal transplantation techniques in "2004 to 2014" period, which includes implementation of anterior and posterior LK techniques to our clinics.…”