Large graft tectonic penetrating keratoplasty in a case of severe aspergillus keratitis

Penetrating keratoplasty is indicated for cases of severe microbial keratitis, particularly if associated with impending corneal perforation. The case report details a 45-year-old male farmer who consulted for blurring of vision in the left eye after an incident wherein mud was flung onto his eye during farming. He noted eye redness and a growing opacity on his left eye. He was initially treated with topical antimicrobial and corticosteroid medication which did not resolve his symptoms. He presented with a visual acuity of hand movement on the affected eye. Slit lamp examination showed a large protruding mound-like plaque, occupying almost the entire corneal surface of the left eye, with associated scleritis. The ocular ultrasound was unremarkable. The patient was diagnosed with fungal keratitis, which culture from corneal scraping showed to be from an infection with Aspergillus. A tectonic penetrating keratoplasty with 360-degree iridectomy, lens extraction, and anterior vitrectomy was immediately done, and a regimen consisting of topical natamycin was started. Despite the severe presentation of the fungal corneal infection, the eye was fortunately salvaged.