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  • Is coughing a problem after a corneal transplant?


    Question:
    Is coughing a problem after a corneal transplant?

    Answer:
    With a full thickness corneal transplant, or penetrating keratoplasty, the new cornea (clear dome-shaped window at the front of the eye) is secured in place with sutures. Pressure resulting from normal behavior, such as coughing, should not be a problem. With transplants like an endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DMEK, among others), the transplanted tissue/cells are placed further inside the eye and have an even lesser risk of becoming dislodged.

    However, with all corneal transplants, patients are usually counseled to avoid activities which can involve direct trauma to the eye.

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