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Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Penetrating keratoplasty (PK)

Penetrating keratoplasty (PK)

Category(ies): Cornea
Contributor: Jesse Vislisel, MD
Photographer: Antoinette Venckus, CRA (A), Stefani Karakas, CRA (B, C, E, F), and Brice Critser, CRA (D)

These images show the post-operative appearance of 4 different patients after penetrating keratoplasty (PK), or full-thickness corneal transplantation. PK grafts may be secured using interrupted sutures (A, B), running sutures (C), or a combination of both (D). Sutures are usually removed during the post-operative period. Grafts may remain clear for decades with proper care, as seen in this patient 30 years after the procedure with all sutures removed (E, F). Read the related article for more information regarding modern corneal transplantation techniques.

PK graft secured using interrupted sutures
Interrupted sutures
PK graft secured using interrupted sutures for ulcer scar
Interrupted sutures
PK graft secured using running sutures for ulcer scar
Running Sutures
PK graft secured using running sutures for ulcer scar
Combination of Running Sutures and Interrupted Sutures
graft after suture removal
Grafts may remain clear for decades with proper care, as seen in this patient 30 years after the procedure with all sutures removed
graft after suture removal slit lamp
Grafts may remain clear for decades with proper care, as seen in this patient 30 years after the procedure with all sutures removed