Full thickness graft

This is becoming performed less and less often with the advance of new techniques and technology.

This procedure involves removal of the whole cornea (all 5 layers) and replacement with a full thickness cornea from a donor. The cornea is stitched into place using stitches of 20 microns (40% the thickness of Human Hair!).

Stitches are typically removed at one year. It can also take about this time frame for vision to be restored to a satisfactory level. Often patients who have had a penetrating keratoplasty require glasses or contact lenses for visual correction.

Advantages

Disadvantages