Penetrating keratoplasty

Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, with a donor cornea. It is also known as a corneal transplant or keratoplasty.

Indications

Penetrating keratoplasty is indicated for a variety of corneal diseases and conditions. These include keratoconus, a condition in which the cornea becomes cone-shaped; corneal dystrophy, a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the cornea; corneal edema, swelling of the cornea; and corneal scarring due to injury or infection.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon removes a circular portion of the patient's cornea and replaces it with a similarly sized piece of donor cornea. The new cornea is sutured into place using very fine sutures. The operation typically takes one to two hours.

Postoperative Care

After the surgery, the patient will need to use eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Regular follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are necessary to monitor the healing process and to adjust the sutures if necessary. Vision may continue to improve for up to a year after the surgery.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, penetrating keratoplasty carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, glaucoma, cataract, and rejection of the donor cornea. The risk of rejection can be minimized with the use of immunosuppressive eye drops.

Prognosis

The prognosis for penetrating keratoplasty is generally good, with many patients achieving significant improvement in vision. However, the success of the procedure depends on a variety of factors, including the underlying reason for the transplant, the patient's overall health, and the patient's adherence to postoperative care instructions.

See Also

• Cornea
• Corneal dystrophy
• Keratoconus
• Ophthalmology