Histopathology of Retrocorneal Membranes after Keratoplasty

Background: This retrospective study examines the histopathological changes, especially the occurrence of retrocorneal membranes, in irreversible graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty. Patients/Materials and Methods: 371 corneas of 308 patients were examined. The examination was carried out using a light microscope. Results: 45% of the corneas (167/371) showed a retrocorneal membrane with a thickness of 2-520 micrometers. Re-endothelialisation was detected in 75 cases. In 74% (124/167) cellular infiltration into the stroma could be observed. In 32% (119/371) the graft-host border was visible. Conclusions: Retrocorneal membranes are a frequent finding in irreversible graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty. Aetiologically the graft-host border as well as the formation of connective tissue seem to play a key role.