Corneal graft survival: a retrospective Australian study

Four hundred and forty-eight consecutive corneal grafts are analysed and their survival calculated using the actuarial life-table method. Overall survival at two years is 81 +/- 4% and at five years is 65 +/- 5%. Within diagnostic subgroups keratoconus has the best prognosis. Previous graft failure and recipient corneal vascularization are shown to have a negative effect on graft survival. Sex of patient, urgency of operation and use of combined procedures do not affect survival and second regrafts fare no worse than first regrafts. The use of the actuarial life-table method of analysing graft survival is discussed and its importance emphasized.