Acute Corneal Graft Rejection

Emergency Eye Condition

A

What are the signs of rejection?

If you have a corneal transplant along with the following symptoms:

• Diffuse redness and congestion appearing around the white of the eye;
• Increasing light sensitivity;
• A sudden reduction or blurring of vision;
• New onset of an ocular ache OR pain in the eye, you may be having an Acute Corneal Graft Rejection.

It is imperative that you seek medical advice as soon as reasonably possible.

Situations that might provoke a graft rejection episode include

• The first 2-8 weeks after finally stopping the steroid drops.
• During an acute viral or flu-like illness or after vaccination.
• It is generally advisable to restart or increase your topical steroid temporarily during this period of stress.

However, medical direction and supervision should always be sought first where possible. If you are in a remote area start drops every hour by day and seek review with an eye specialist within 48 hours if possible.