corneal grafting, transplantation of corneal tissue from one human eye to another, performed to improve vision in corneal scarring or distortion or to remove a perforating ulcer. Preoperative preparation includes constricting the pupil with a miotic drug, such as pilocarpine. With the patient under local anesthesia the affected area is excised, using an operating microscope; an identical section of clear cornea is cut from the donor eye and sutured in place, using an operating microscope. Cataract surgery may be performed at the same time. After surgery the eye is covered with a protective metal shield. The patient is cautioned against coughing, sneezing, vomiting, sudden movement, and lifting. The dressing is changed daily, and antibiotics are instilled. A complication that may occur after several weeks is a clouding over of the graft, a result of the rejection of foreign tissue. Corticosteroid drugs administered immediately postoperatively may prevent the reaction. Healing is slow, and the sutures are usually left in place for 1 year. Also called corneal transplantation, keratoplasty.
