Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

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