Friday, February, 10, 2012

Corneal transplant

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Keratoplasty; Penetrating keratoplasty


Risks

Sometimes, the body rejects the transplanted tissue. This occurs in a small number of patients and can often be controlled with steroid eye drops. The risk of rejection decreases over time but never disappears completely.

Other risks for a corneal transplant are:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the eye
  • Glaucoma (high pressure in the eye that can cause vision loss)
  • Swelling of the front of the eye

The risks for any anesthesia are:

  • Allergic reactions to medicines
  • Breathing problems


Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)