During penetrating keratoplasty, a diseased cornea
is replaced with a donor cornea. The new cornea is held in place with stitches
that are not removed for three to 17 months.
Also
Known As:
- Full-thickness
cornea transplant
- Penetrating
cornea transplant
Conditions
Treated with Penetrating Keratoplasty:
Penetrating
keratoplasty may be performed in cases of blurry vision, keratocornus, corneal
ulcers, Fuch’s dystrophy and cornea thinning, damage, clouding, scarring and
swelling.
There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to
penetrating keratoplasty. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a surgical
alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia
with Penetrating Keratoplasty:
Penetrating keratoplasty may be performed with local
anesthesia. It can also be performed under general anesthesia, which means that
the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential
Complications from Penetrating Keratoplasty:
Possible risks following penetrating keratoplasty
include poor vision, swelling, glaucoma, infection and cataract. It is also
possible for the cornea transplant to be rejected and for there to be problems
with the stitches.
Prognosis
after Penetrating Keratoplasty:
The prognosis for a positive end result following
penetrating keratoplasty is good. Vision improves over the next year or no, but
most patients need corrective lenses or surgery to correct vision problems.
Recovery
from Penetrating Keratoplasty:
Total recovery from penetrating keratoplasty takes
three to seven days.
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