eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Cornea

Corneal Edema, Postoperative: Follow-up

Author: Michael Taravella, MD, Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute; Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Coauthor(s): Mark Walker, MD, Medical Director, Laser Eye Connection
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: May 11, 2009

Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

  • Patients should receive follow-up care, as needed.

Complications

  • Factors limiting vision include a high association of this condition with cystoid macular edema, postoperative astigmatism, and glaucoma.

Prognosis

  • Prognosis for visual recovery following penetrating keratoplasty for PBK generally is good. Approximately 90% of patients undergoing this procedure maintain a clear corneal graft. However, only about 50% of patients regain driving and reading vision, about 20/40.

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

  • It is very important to identify and counsel patients at risk for developing corneal edema at the time of cataract or other intraocular surgery. This process begins with a careful slit lamp exam of the cornea. If microfolds or guttata are detected, an endothelial cell count, ultrasonic pachymetry, and specular microscopy should be performed. Patients found to have a low cell count, thicker than normal cornea, or guttata should be informed of the possible need for a corneal transplant; this should be documented clearly in the medical record and on the written informed consent form.
 


More on Corneal Edema, Postoperative

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Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Corneal Edema, Postoperative
Treatment & Medication: Corneal Edema, Postoperative
Follow-up: Corneal Edema, Postoperative
Multimedia: Corneal Edema, Postoperative
References
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Further Reading

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Keywords

postoperative corneal edema, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, PBK, aphakic bullous keratopathy, ABK, pseudophakic corneal edema, aphakic corneal edema, corneal edema, bullous keratopathy, cataract surgery

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Michael Taravella, MD, Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute; Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Michael Taravella, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, and Eye Bank Association of America
Disclosure: Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Surgical Specialties Honoraria Speaking and teaching; BD Surgical Supplies Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Coauthor(s)

Mark Walker, MD, Medical Director, Laser Eye Connection
Mark Walker, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Richard W Allinson, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Texas A&M University Health Science Center; Senior Staff Ophthalmologist, Scott and White Clinic
Richard W Allinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute; Chief of Section of Ophthalmology Surgical Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center, West Los Angeles
Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Christopher J Rapuano, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Co-Chairman of the Cornea Service, Co-Chairman of Refractive Surgery Department, Wills Eye Institute
Christopher J Rapuano, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America, International Society of Refractive Surgery, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Allergan Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Allergan Consulting fee Consulting; Alcon Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Inspire Honoraria Speaking and teaching; RPS Ownership interest Other; Vistakon Honoraria Speaking and teaching

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
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