What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Corneal Graft Rejection
• Organ Rejection - Cornea
• Tissue Rejection - Cornea

What is Transplant Rejection of Cornea? (Definition/Background Information)

• Corneal transplant is a procedure that is conducted to correct vision defect by replacing the cornea, as it has become worn out or damaged and is affecting an individual’s ability to see
• Every individual has an immune system that ensures that no foreign particle or material enters the body. Sometimes, when there is an entry of a foreign substance, the body automatically starts to react or fight against the substance, in order to eliminate it from the body
• Transplant Rejection of Cornea occurs when a damaged cornea is surgically replaced with another cornea (from a donor) and the body rejects this newly transplanted cornea
• In this condition, the body is unable to accept the new cornea that is transplanted, and therefore, identifies it as something harmful or deleterious
• Young individuals are at an increased risk of rejection as their immune systems are more active compared to elderly adults
• The signs and symptoms of a Corneal Transplant Rejection include vision defects, redness of the eyes, eye pain and irritation, and increased sensitivity to light
• The patient is advised to pay close attention to his/her transplanted site, as adverse effects from the transplant can take place many weeks after the procedure
• Transplant Rejection of Cornea is treated with topical and systemic corticosteroids. The prognosis depends upon many factors and whether the individual is able to successfully receive another corneal transplant

Who gets Transplant Rejection of Cornea? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Any individual receiving a corneal transplant may potentially reject it
• Both males and females can reject a transplanted cornea
• Generally, individuals with weaker immune systems (such as older adults) have a lower risk of graft rejection than those with a more robust immunity (such as healthy, younger individuals)

What are the Risk Factors for Transplant Rejection of Cornea? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Transplant Rejection of Cornea are:

• Young individuals as the immune system is very active compared to elderly adults
• Individuals in whom bilateral transplant procedures are performed (those who receive corneal transplant to both eyes) have a higher risk of this condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Transplant Rejection of Cornea? (Etiology)

• Our immune system ensures that no foreign matter or particle enters the body. In situations where the body senses an entry of a foreign substance, it automatically starts reacting against the substance/material in order to eliminate any threat that could arise
• Transplant Rejection of Cornea is caused by the recipient’s immunity, which reacts against the transplanted tissue (obtained from a compatible donor)
• The insertion of the new graft tissue into the body causes an adverse reaction in the body leading to several abnormal symptoms. In many cases, this immune response may harm other tissues and organs as well

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Transplant Rejection of Cornea?

The signs and symptoms observed with Transplant Rejection of Cornea may include:

• Vision defects
• Redness of the eyes
• Eye pain and irritation
• Photophobia: Increased sensitivity to light
• Collection of fluid in the eyes (corneal edema)

It may take from days to several weeks for the rejection signs and symptoms to appear.

How is Transplant Rejection of Cornea Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Transplant Rejection of Cornea may be made through the following measures:

• Complete evaluation of medical history (with recent history of transplant surgery) and a thorough physical examination. The physician shall carefully examine the site of the transplanted region
• Ophthalmoscopic eye examination by the physician to assess the extent of damage and evaluate other possible changes in the eye
• Corneal biopsy: A piece of the corneal tissue is taken and sent to the laboratory for examination by a pathologist under the microscope. The pathologist will look for possible microscopic changes that could be present in the rejected cornea

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Transplant Rejection of Cornea?

Generally, a corneal transplant is a very safe procedure having low risk of complications. The possible complications associated with Transplant Rejection of Cornea may include:

• Infection in the eyes
• The transplanted organ's function is diminished
• Adverse effects from immunosuppressive medications being used to prevent the rejection

How is Transplant Rejection of Cornea Treated?

Transplant Rejection of Cornea is treated with:

• Topical corticosteroids, which are the mainstay of the treatment
• Systemic corticosteroids, either oral or injectable, are used in cases of severe rejection
• The severity of the condition will determine the dosage and duration the drug is to be taken

Eventually, the medications will be slowly discontinued and completely stopped, when the body is able to accept the newly transplanted cornea without causing further adverse reactions in the body.

How can Transplant Rejection of Cornea be Prevented?

• Transplant Rejection of Cornea may be prevented by performing appropriate tests to ensure donor-recipient compatibility (that the body will accept the donor organ before the surgery is performed)
• In cases where the rejection is severe and the transplant is necessary, medications may be administered to weaken or suppress the immune system. This will help prevent any rejection from taking place
• Further damage may be prevented, if the prescribed medications are followed and regular hospital visits are made to ensure that the condition is under control

What is the Prognosis of Transplant Rejection of Cornea? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for Transplant Rejection of Cornea depends upon many factors including whether the individual is able to successfully receive another corneal transplant
• In many cases, medications can successfully help suppress the immune system and prevent it from completely rejecting the transplanted cornea

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Transplant Rejection of Cornea:

• The patient is advised to pay close attention to their transplanted site, as adverse effects from transplant rejection can take place weeks, months, or even years after the procedure
• In some cases, the medications that are given to help the patient recover faster can cause many side effects including glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyeball)
• A cornea transplant procedure involves surgically removing all or part of a diseased or injured cornea of the patient and replacing it with a healthy corneal tissue from a donor. The procedure is called as keratoplasty

The following article link will help you understand a cornea transplant procedure:

http://www.dovemed.com/common-procedures/procedures-surgical/cornea-transplant/