Clear Graft

Appearance of clear graft after penetrating keratoplasty (PK)
  • One of the most successful transplant procedures.

Indications

  • Uncorrectable anterior corneal curvature abnormality
  • Severe opacification of the central cornea
  • As treatment for corneal thinning or perforation
  • Other conditions are pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, keratoconus, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, failed previous corneal transplant and corneal opacification following infection
  • The ultimate goal of this surgery is to obtain a clear graft.
  • Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, complete history of systemic diseases such as collagen-vascular disease and thorough social history prior to keratoplasty are necessary for an optimal surgical result.
  • Deep corneal vascularization, chronic ocular surface disease and peripheral corneal thinning may worsen the prognosis for PK.
  • Ocular surface diseases, active anterior segment inflammation, eyelid malposition, lagophthalmos or infection should be identified preoperatively and treated aggressively.
  • Anterior segment abnormalities such as peripheral anterior synechiae with elevated intraocular pressure or coexistent cataract is commonly managed in concert with penetrating keratoplasty.