Everything You Need to Know About Penetrating Keratoplasty
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Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a full-thickness cornea transplant. It replaces damaged or diseased tissue with healthy donor tissue. This guide explains what PKP is, who it’s for, how it works, what to expect during recovery, and the possible risks and outcomes. It’s reassuring that about 75% of PKP grafts last at least 10 years. In the U.S., nearly 45,000 of these procedures are done each year. That kind of track record shows how reliable PKP is for restoring both vision and corneal structure. Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of NJ proudly offers eye care at four convenient locations: Belleville serving Essex County, Rahway serving Middlesex and Union Counties, Jersey City serving Hudson County, and Union serving Union County.
With more than 41,000 LASIK surgeries under her belt and a Fellowship from Harvard in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery, Dr. Randa M. Garrana is a leading authority in refractive and corneal surgery.
Defining Penetrating Keratoplasty
Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a type of corneal transplant that replaces the entire thickness of a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. It’s used when the cornea becomes scarred, misshapen, or cloudy due to infection, injury, or disease—and when glasses or contacts can’t fix the problem.
Also called a corneal transplant or graft, PKP involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it completely. Unlike procedures that treat only the surface, PKP addresses all five layers of the cornea. It’s often recommended for conditions like corneal edema, dystrophies, or serious eye injuries.
The PKP Procedure Explained
The Recovery Journey
Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is a type of corneal transplant that replaces the entire thickness of a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. It’s used when the cornea becomes scarred, misshapen, or cloudy due to infection, injury, or disease—and when glasses or contacts can’t fix the problem.
Also called a corneal transplant or graft, PKP involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it completely. Unlike procedures that treat only the surface, PKP addresses all five layers of the cornea. It’s often recommended for conditions like corneal edema, dystrophies, or serious eye injuries.
Risks and Considerations
Benefits and
Recommendations for PKP
When the cornea is badly damaged, PKP is a dependable way to restore both vision and the eye’s structure. It’s often the best choice because it fixes deeper problems that other treatments can’t. Here’s what makes PKP effective:
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Trusted Cornea Specialists Serving Central and Northern NJ
In conclusion, penetrating keratoplasty is a highly effective surgical procedure for restoring vision and improving eye health by replacing damaged corneal tissue. At Associated Eye Physicians & Surgeons of New Jersey, our eye doctors prioritize patient care and tailor treatment plans to individual needs, ensuring the best outcomes. By understanding the benefits, risks, and recovery process of PKP, patients can make informed decisions about their eye health. We are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout your journey to better vision. Experience personalized, expert eye care by scheduling an appointment with our eye doctors in Belleville, Jersey City, Rahway, or Union, NJ.
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At Associated Eye Physicians of NJ, we’ve built our reputation on care that’s local, personal, and easy to get to. With offices in Belleville, Union, Jersey City, and Rahway, we’re proud to serve a wide range of communities across North and Central Jersey. Our Belleville team welcomes patients from all over Essex County, including Newark, Bloomfield, and Nutley. Rahway welcomes patients from across Middlesex and Union Counties, including nearby patients from Elizabeth, Avenel, Woodbridge, and Perth Amboy. Our Union office is a favorite for families from Union County, especially for those in Elizabeth and Cranford. And in Jersey City, we care for Hudson County residents, including our neighbors in Hoboken and Bayonne.