ABSTRACT
Transplanted human tissue is nowadays very successful. For solid vascular organs such as kidneys and livers, the five year survival is typically 77% and 82% respectively (Landais et al., 1993; Kilpe, Krakauer and Wren, 1993). Due to a complex interplay of many factors the five year survival of the cornea is similar at 72%, despite being ‘“immunologically privileged” (Williams et al., 1993). To further understand the indications for grafting, the basis of disease and the clinical aspects of management, this treatise is divided into three broad sections. The first deals with the clinical aspects of corneal grafting and reviews the risk factors and outcomes associated with the surgery. The second surveys the pathophysiology and immunology of graft rejection. The third examines the clinical aspects of preventing and managing graft rejection. Finally, new and potential means of improving the outcome of surgery are discussed.
