Advancements in Cornea Transplantation

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Ophthalmology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 May 2025 | Viewed by 1596

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
Interests: cornea; corneal infections; corneal neovascularization; corneal transplant; keratoconus; dry eye
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail
Guest Editor
Eye Clinic, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, University of Brescia, 25125 Brescia, Italy
Interests: corneal transplantation; cataract; refractive surgery; keratitis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, advancements in corneal transplantation have significantly improved the outcomes and expanded the scope of this critical ophthalmic procedure. Notable developments are the evolution of lamellar procedures, such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and endothelial keratoplasty techniques, such as Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). These procedures target the replacement of specific layers of the cornea, enhancing visual recovery and reducing graft rejection.

Additionally, advancements in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have paved the way for innovative approaches, such as bioengineered corneal tissue and the use of RHO-kinase inhibitors. These emerging technologies aim to address the limitations of traditional donor-dependent transplantation by providing alternative sources of corneal tissue. Furthermore, ongoing research focuses on refining immunosuppressive strategies to minimize graft rejection and improve long-term graft survival.

In conclusion, recent advancements in corneal transplantation encompass a spectrum of innovations, ranging from surgical techniques and technology integration to tissue engineering and immunomodulation. These advancements collectively contribute to the continued enhancement of patient outcomes and the evolution of corneal transplantation as a sophisticated and effective therapeutic modality in ophthalmology.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present original studies as well as reviews on corneal transplantation. Authors should submit articles on themes including, but not limited to, in vivo models; the evaluation of technology for the clinical assessment of corneal transplants and outcomes; improvements in the diagnosis of diseases that may lead to corneal transplantation; and transplant techniques, management, and outcomes.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in JCTO.

Dr. Giulia Coco
Dr. Davide Romano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • corneal transplant
  • keratoplasty
  • DMEK
  • DSAEK
  • PK
  • cornea

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 1078 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measurements Using Three Different Methods (Goldmann Applanation Tonometry (GAT), Corvis ST, and iCare) Following Penetrating Keratoplasty
by Tatiana Tziola, Argyrios Tzamalis, Spyridon Koronis, Panagiotis Garitsis, Ioannis Tsinopoulos and Nikolaos Ziakas
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7046; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237046 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 279
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Intraocular pressure (IOP) readings using three different methods (Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), Corvis ST, and iCare) were compared in patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment of patients was conducted. IOP measurements were acquired [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Intraocular pressure (IOP) readings using three different methods (Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), Corvis ST, and iCare) were compared in patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods: An observational cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment of patients was conducted. IOP measurements were acquired using GAT, iCare, and Corvis (including both uncorrected IOP (CVS-IOP) and biomechanical IOP (bIOP)), and the agreement among methods was analyzed using Bland–Altman plots. Secondary outcomes included the influence of CCT, the number of sutures, the size of the corneal donor button, and the use of antiglaucoma topical medications on the IOP readings using the three methods. Results: Twenty-five eyes from 25 patients were included. The Bland–Altman analysis showed the narrowest limits of agreement (LoA) between GAT and bIOP (7.5 mmHg). The difference between iCare and GAT IOP showed a bias of 1.26 ± 3.8 mmHg, with increased variability in cases with more remaining sutures (p = 0.0079). A higher CCT was moderately associated with lower bIOP readings (p = 0.0067), but no significant impact of CCT on the difference in the IOP measurements between GAT and other tonometers was found. Additionally, there were no significant differences in tonometer readings based on the use of antiglaucoma medications or the corneal donor button size. Conclusions: Good agreement was found between iCare, CVS-IOP, bIOP, and GAT-IOP readings with the comparison between GAT-IOP and bIOP resulting in the narrowest 95% LoA. The difference between the GAT-IOP and iCare readings tended to be influenced by the number of sutures at the graft–host interface. Higher CCT values were associated with lower bIOP readings; however, the differences in tonometer readings compared to GAT-IOP were not found to be influenced by CCT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Cornea Transplantation)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

9 pages, 957 KiB  
Article
Clinical Outcomes and Early Postoperative Complications in Boston Type I Keratoprosthesis Implantation: A Retrospective Study
by Katarzyna Krysik, Piotr Miklaszewski, Anna Maria Gadamer, Dominika Janiszewska-Bil, Anita Lyssek-Boroń, Dariusz Dobrowolski, Beniamin Oskar Grabarek and Edward Wylęgała
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(22), 6710; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13226710 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 352
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and early postoperative complications in patients undergoing Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BKPro) implantation, with a specific focus on the onset and nature of ocular surface disorders during the early postoperative period. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and early postoperative complications in patients undergoing Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BKPro) implantation, with a specific focus on the onset and nature of ocular surface disorders during the early postoperative period. Methods: This retrospective study included 77 eyes that underwent BKPro implantation between 2019 and March 2022. Patients were treated at the Saint Barbara Hospital, Trauma Centre, Sosnowiec, Poland, and District Railway Hospital, Katowice, Poland. Data were collected from medical records, including patient demographics, medical history, surgical outcomes, postoperative visual acuity, and complications. The analysis incorporated both detailed medical history and direct clinical examination results. Results: The most common early postoperative complication was glaucoma, affecting 32 eyes (42%). Retroprosthetic membrane formation occurred in 20 eyes (26%), while partial extrusion of the BKPro was observed in 10 eyes (13%). Severe corneal surface damage was noted in patients with underlying autoimmune diseases (36%) and after chemical burns (24%). Five patients suffered from transient hypotony resulting from keratoprosthesis extrusion. The results highlight the complex nature of managing ocular surface conditions and the frequent challenges associated with early postoperative complications. Conclusions: BKPro implantation is an effective solution for severe corneal diseases that are resistant to conventional treatments. However, it is associated with a significant risk of early complications, particularly glaucoma and retroprosthetic membrane formation. Early identification and management of these complications are crucial for improving outcomes and maintaining visual function. Further research into optimizing postoperative care is needed to minimize these risks and enhance patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Cornea Transplantation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 10217 KiB  
Review
Corneal Artificial Endothelial Layer (EndoArt): Literature Review and Our Experience
by Davide Romano, Mariacarmela Ventura, Sabrina Vaccaro, Eliana Forbice, Scott Hau, Francesco Semeraro and Vito Romano
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(21), 6520; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13216520 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 642
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the morphological corneal changes and outcomes following the implantation of an artificial endothelial layer (EndoArt) in patients with chronic corneal oedema. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted alongside a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the morphological corneal changes and outcomes following the implantation of an artificial endothelial layer (EndoArt) in patients with chronic corneal oedema. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted alongside a detailed analysis of two clinical cases with chronic corneal oedema that were treated using EndoArt. Our experience with these two cases is included to provide practical insights and real-world outcomes. Results: Across the 24 cases reported (including the two presented here), an analysis was possible in 23 cases. Notably, 82% of patients had undergone at least one previous corneal transplant, with 39% having undergone three or more transplants. Additionally, 78% of cases had ocular comorbidities, with glaucoma surgery being the most prevalent (83%), which could have impacted visual outcomes. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 17 months with a median of 3 months. After EndoArt implantation, the average reduction in the central corneal thickness (CCT) was 29%, and the rebubbling rate was 47.8%, with some cases requiring no rebubbling, while others required it up to 100% of the time. Visual acuity significantly improved from a mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) value of 1.61 ± 0.5 logMAR to 1.07 ± 0.59 logMAR (p < 0.001). The CCT decreased from 771 ± 146 µm to 580 ± 134 µm (p < 0.001). These findings are consistent with our experience. Conclusions: EndoArt shows promise as an alternative treatment for chronic corneal oedema in complex cases where conventional corneal transplantation has failed or carries a high risk of failure. The morphological changes observed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were similar to those reported after endothelial keratoplasty, with the notable exception of the absence of the hyper-reflective donor–host interface. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Cornea Transplantation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop