TABLE 2.
Complications of corneal transplant
| Complication | Transplant variant | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PKP | ALK | EK | Keratoprosthesis a | |
| Glaucomab | +++ | +++ | +++ | ++++ |
| Cataractb | +++ | +++ | +++ | NA |
| Macular edema | +++ | ++ | ++ | +++ |
| Infectious keratitis | ++ | ++ | + | ++ |
| Astigmatism | +++ | +++ | + | NA |
| Primary graft failurec | + | + | ++ | + |
| Wound dehiscence | ++ | + | + | ++ |
| Graft rejection | +++ | + | +++ | NA |
| Retrocorneal membrane | ++ | – | + | +++ |
| Endophthalmitis | + | – | – | +++ |
| Noninfectious keratitis | + | + | – | ++ |
| Corneal epithelialization | + | + | – | ++ |
| Retinal detachment | + | – | – | ++ |
| Endophthalmitis | + | – | – | ++ |
| Choroidal hemorrhage | + | – | – | + |
Data are compiled from studies cited in this article or estimated by the authors when data are unavailable. Symbols for 10-y incidences are as follows: rarely reported cases (–), <1% (+), 1%–10% (++), 10%–50% (+++), and >50% (++++).
aKeratoprostheses are abiotic and always preceded by cataract extraction, leading to no incidence of cataract, astigmatism, or graft rejection.
bGlaucoma and cataracts are thought to be caused by prolonged corticosteroid treatment after surgery, not as a direct consequence of transplantation.
cRates of primary graft failure after Descemet membrane EK may be higher among inexperienced surgeons.
ALK, anterior lamellar keratoplasty; EK, endothelial keratoplasty; NA, not available; PKP, penetrating keratoplasty.