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Side Effects of Keratoplasty

Keratoplasty is a medical term that refers to a cornea transplant. According to the Eye Bank Association of America 2008 Statistical Report more than 40,000 cornea transplants are performed each year in the United States, and of all the transplant surgeries the corneal transplant is the most routine and successful. Side effects of keratoplasty can be transplant rejection, infection (endophthalmitis), vision fluctuation, glaucoma and bleeding.

  1. Transplant Rejection

    • A possible side effect of keratoplasty is transplant rejection. Transplant rejection occurs when the body rejects the donated and transplanted cornea. Symptoms that your body has rejected the cornea may be redness of the eye, and an extreme sensitivity to light and pain. Signs of rejection may occur anywhere from one month to several years after the transplant surgery. Keratoplasty can be repeated when the transplant is rejected.

    Infection

    • Referred to as endophthalmitis in the medical community, a possible side effect of keratoplasty is an infection of the eye. Infection after keratoplasty can result from improper healing or a complication during the transplant even though the area around the eye is completely sterilized the day of the surgery and the face is covered with sterile drapes. Despite these actions to keep the surgical area clean, infections still may occur.

    Vision Fluctuation

    • After keratoplasty your vision will be poor and then fluctuate for up to three months. Therefore doctors typically wait until that time period is over to remove the sutures from the eyes. Not until the vision has reached a constant and the sutures have been removed can the individual be given a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.

      Occasionally the outcome of the keratoplasty may be no further vision benefits.

    Glaucoma

    • Glaucoma is a potential side effect of keratoplasty. Glaucoma is a buildup of pressure in the eye that can cause a complete loss of vision. Keratoplasty increases the chances of pressure buildup during the surgical procedure that may lead to glaucoma.

    Bleeding and Pain

    • After keratoplasty the blood vessels may leak, which would result in bleeding from the eyes. In these cases sitting upright will encourage the blood to settle.

      Pain after the keratoplasty is a common side effect oftentimes due to dry eyes. Patients usually feel pain and discomfort when they move the eye at all for weeks after surgery.

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