Evolving indications and surgical trends in keratoplasty: a 7-year analysis from a Chinese tertiary referral center

Owing to factors such as economic development and industrial distribution, infectious keratitis is the primary cause of keratoplasty in the southern Liaoning region of China, followed by corneal leukoma and corneal endothelial decompensation. Fungal infection is the leading cause of infectious keratitis. The primary keratoplasty type has shifted from PKP to corneal composition transplantation. The range of materials utilized for corneal grafts has expanded significantly and now includes corneal stroma lenticules and bioengineered corneal grafts, in addition to human donor corneal grafts. The present study delineates the evolving surgical patterns and material innovations related to keratoplasty, providing insights for regional ophthalmic policy-making.