Cataract extraction after successful penetrating keratoplasty

No operative or postoperative complications occurred in 19 eyes with cataract extraction performed six months or more following successful penetrating keratoplasty. Six months following lens removal all 19 grafts were clear. In view of the previously reported high incidence of graft failure following lens removal subsequent to penetrating keratoplasty, we have listed the principles we consider important in managing keratoplasty patients with associated cataracts. By avoiding damage to the corneal endothelium, an eye with a successful penetrating corneal graft should have a good prognosis following cataract extraction.