"Partial Open Sky Method" - A novel technique to avoid the open sky condition during Triple procedure or Penetrating keratoplasty.

Abstract

Penetrating keratoplasty is referred to as an "open-sky" procedure because the intraocular contents are entirely exposed to atmospheric pressure after the diseased cornea has been trephined off and before the donor button is sutured. Suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) is a major vision-threatening complication, associated with this open-sky procedure. While numerous factors may predispose an eye to SCH, like hypertension, myopia, trauma, glaucoma, etc., it is better to be prepared for the worst eventuality. We described a novel technical modification, denoted as the "partial open sky technique", that we used during the surgical steps of trephining and excision of host corneal tissue in seven cases of triple procedure and penetrating keratoplasty in our center over two months. We propose that the technique would be additionally helpful in managing the inadvertent suprachoroidal hemorrhage associated with keratoplasty over the available existing methods. Abbreviations: SCH = Suprachoroidal hemorrhage, ICCE = Intracapsular cataract surgery, ECCE = Extracapsular cataract surgery, WTW = White to White.