(Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2007-07) Meyer, David
Modern corneal transplantation is internationally accepted
as highly successful and cost effective. The avascularity of
the cornea puts it in a relatively immune-privileged position,
and complications due to graft rejection can be handled more
effectively than in other solid organs. Modern microsurgery,
which has the ability to manage postoperative astigmatism,
has turned corneal transplant surgery into a most gratifying
procedure as far as visual acuity is concerned. Corneal graft
survival is often lifelong, with most patients not needing
topical or systemic immunosuppression for longer than several
months postoperatively. Patients are frequently given a new
lease on life after sight-restoring corneal transplantation.