Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Full-Field Optical Coherence Microscopy for Histology-Like Analysis of Stromal Features in Corneal Grafts
Published on: October 21, 2022
Suture-related complications following keratoplasty: a 5-year retrospective study
C G Christo1, J van Rooij, A J Geerards
1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India.
Purpose:
To study the incidence of suture-related complications following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and their effect on the success of corneal grafting.
Methods:
The records of 332 patients receiving 361 grafts in 1993 and 1994 were reviewed, and suture-related complications were recorded. These complications were divided into five groups: suture erosions, infiltrates at the suture sites, infectious keratitis, loose sutures with imminent wound dehiscence, and wound dehiscence after suture removal.
Results:
Occurrence rates were suture erosions, 10.8%; infiltrates, 9.4%; infectious keratitis related to sutures, 3.3%; loose sutures with imminent wound separation in need of surgical repair, 8.3%; and wound dehiscence following suture removal, 2.4%.
Conclusions:
Suture-related complications frequently occur after PK. Infectious keratitis and wound separations needing surgical repair may lead to loss of best-corrected visual acuity due to scarring, induced allograft reactions, and/or increased astigmatism. Recommendations for post-PK suture management are proposed.
