Medical manpower requirements following penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis

Abstract

We have compared the post-operative course of patients requiring penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex virus keratitis, keratoconus, and Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy with a minimum of two years follow-up. Although some expected differences (age, sex) were found between these three groups, the number of post-operative clinic visits was not different between the three groups. This is contrary to the common belief that patients requiring penetrating keratoplasty for herpes simplex keratitis are high risk, and will make greater demands on medical resources in the post-operative period. The management of our patients with herpes simplex keratitis is not statistically different from a similar group managed at another centre.