Which of the following preoperative teaching points related to corneal transplantation is most justified?
A) "You should know that there is a significant risk that your body will reject the transplant."
B) "The cornea is highly vascular, and therefore you will be at risk for hemorrhage."
C) "Your new cornea would come from someone who has recently died."
D) "You run a risk of developing a major inflammatory response post-op and will need frequent follow-up appointments."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Advances in ophthalmologic surgery permit corneal transplantation using a cadaver cornea. The low rejection rate is due to several factors: the cornea is avascular, which limits perfusion by immune elements; major histocompatibility complexes are virtually absent in the cornea; antigen-presenting cells are not present in great numbers; the cornea secretes immunosuppressive factors; and corneal cells secrete substances that protect against apoptosis, thereby minimizing inflammation.

Which of the Following Preoperative Teaching Points Related to Corneal