GRAFT EDEMA AFTER SUTURE REMOVAL

Graft edema developed after removal of continuous monofilament sutures in six eyes of six patients in whom no wound dehiscence occurred. All sutures were removed at least one year after penetrating keratoplasty, and graft edema was noted one day after suture removal. In all cases, partial or total resolution of graft edema occurred after treatment with corticosteroids. In two of the grafts, the edema resolved after treatment with topical corticosteroids alone, whereas the remaining four grafts required the addition of systemic or subtenon corticosteroids, or both, for resolution. The trauma associated with suture removal may cause endothelial decompensation either by direct injury to the cornea or by a secondary iritis. To the best of our knowledge, graft edema after suture removal is a late complication of penetrating keratoplasty that has not been previously emphasized. © 1979.