Keratoplasty today

Abstract:

Corneal transplantation is the method of choice in the treatment of corneal diseases with the purpose to improve visual acuity, alleviate the pain and protect the internal structures of the eye. Penetrating keratoplasty has been the standard of care for treating corneal failure for many years. Recently, it has been complemented by new methods that result in lower rate of postoperative complications. The main problems associated with penetrating keratoplasty, such as postoperative astigmatism and graft rejection, may be circumvented by the new methods including lamellar keratoplasty, where only the defective layer is replaced by new donor graft and healthy corneal tissue is preserved. These new keratoplastic techniques have lowered the rate of complications, postoperative astigmatism and graft rejection. A new laser technology that is being introduced results in better visual outcomes and lower postoperative complication rates.

Key words:
astigmatism; corneal diseases; graft rejection; keratoplasty, penetrating; postoperative complications