Corneal Graft Rejection: Warning Signs to Act On
A corneal transplant can last many years — but the body may sometimes try to reject the donor tissue. The encouraging news is that, caught early, rejection is often treatable. Recognising it quickly is the key.
The warning signs (remember RSVP)
- Redness of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision that drops or blurs
- Pain or discomfort
Any of these — especially a sudden change — means you should be seen the same day.
Why early treatment matters
Rejection episodes are usually managed with intensive anti-rejection drops, and many grafts recover fully if treated promptly. Delay is the main enemy.
Reducing the risk
Use your drops exactly as prescribed, keep follow-up appointments, protect the eye from injury, and report symptoms early. Partial-thickness grafts such as DALK and DMEK carry a lower rejection risk than full-thickness transplants.
Frequently asked questions
Is graft rejection the same as graft failure?
No. Rejection is an immune reaction that is often reversible if treated early; failure means the graft has stopped working and may need repeating.
What should I do if I notice these signs?
Contact your eye surgeon urgently — same-day assessment gives the best chance of saving the graft.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace consultation with an eye specialist.
Related: Cornea & Corneal Transplant · Recovery after corneal transplant · Book an appointment
This article is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with an eye specialist.
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