What complications can occur with a cornea transplant?
Because corneal transplants use donor tissue, the donor tissue is rejected 5% to 30% of the time. The rejected cornea clouds and vision deteriorates. Most rejections, if treated promptly, can be stopped with minimal injury. Warning signs of rejection are: Persistent discomfort Light sensitivity Redness Change in vision Any of these symptoms should be reported immediately. Other possible complications include; Infection Bleeding Swelling or detachment of the retina Glaucoma All of these complications can be detected and treated by an experienced cornea surgeon. Therefore, it is important that your post-operative care be supervised carefully by your surgeon. A corneal transplant can be repeated, usually with good results, but the overall rejection rates for repeated transplants are higher than for the first time around. Irregular curvature of the transplanted cornea (astigmatism) may slow the return of vision but can also be treated. Vision may continue to improve up to a year after surg
