Two Cases of Presumed Graft Rejection after Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report two cases of presumed immune-mediated stromal rejection developed after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: A 32-year-old woman and a 14-year-old man underwent DALK for keratectasia after LASIK surgery and keratoconus, respectively. Both patients developed stromal edema and peripheral corneal vascularization along the suture tract after the surgery. Under the impression of corneal stromal rejection, subconjunctival, oral, and topical steroid therapy were performed. RESULTS: In both cases, vision improved, and complete reversal of stromal edema and regression of peripheral vascularization were attained. CONCLUSIONS: Immune-mediated stromal rejection can occur after DALK surgery, which can be treated effectively by steroid therapy.