Presumed stromal graft rejection after automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty: Case report

Purpose: To describe the development of presumed immune-mediated stromal rejection after automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty (ALTK) and its reversal after initiation of intensive topical corticosteroid therapy. Methods: Observational case report. Results: Stromal edema localized inthe graft developed 42 days after ALTK for Avellino corneal dystrophy in a 65-year-old man. After one week of intensive topical corticosteroids, complete reversal of graft edema occurred, with full recovery of visual function. Conclusion: The clinical appearance and response to therapy in this case supported the diagnosis of immune-mediated stromal rejection. Ophthalmologists should be aware that stromal rejection may occur in lamellar corneal grafts.