Corneal transplantation for herpes simplex keratitis.

We conducted a retrospective study of 107 penetrating keratoplasties in 99 eyes (99 patients) performed from 1970 to 1979 at the Wills Eye Hospital. The follow-up periods ranged from one to 12 years (median, three years). Overall, 86 of the 107 transplants (80%) remained clear and 63 eyes (59%) achieved good to excellent visual acuities (20/60 or better). Preoperative vascularization was not a significant prognostic factor with regard to final visual outcome, graft clarity, or graft rejection. Herpes simplex keratitis was inactive at the time of corneal transplantation in 100 of the eyes (93%). The overall rate of recurrent dendritic keratitis after transplantation for herpes was 19%.