Penetrating Keratoplasty
What Does Penetrating Keratoplasty Surgery Involve?
Penetrating keratoplasty is a procedure that is carried out if the full thickness of the cornea is affected by disease or trauma. It involves the removal and replacement of the whole cornea. This is stitched into place using stiches of 20 microns (40% the thickness of human hair).
The operation is performed under a general or local anaesthetic and takes about an hour.
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What Are The Benefits Of Penetrating Keratoplasty?
This surgery should improve your vision but may take up to 18 months before full improvement is realised.
What Are The Possible Complications Of This Surgery?
Your surgeon will discuss all the benefits and risks in full at your consultation. At The McIndoe Centre, we do everything we can to minimise the risk of complications.
Recovery After Surgery
After the operation, you can usually go home the same day. You will be seen again within one week and regularly thereafter (around six visits in the first year). You will need to take about two weeks off work and use anti-rejection eye drops for at least six months. Individual stitches may be removed from three months after the operation but complete stitch removal will be around one year after the operation.
This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Samer Hamada MD, MSc, DO(hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth Consultant Ophthalmic, Corneal and Refractive Surgeon. All information, advice and procedures were updated on 17th September 2019.
Consultants that perform this procedure
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