Lymphatic vessels identified in failed corneal transplants with neovascularisation.

Background: Corneal transplant failure with neovascularisation is a leading indication for full-thickness grafts in patients. Lymphangiogenesis is implicated in the pathology of graft failure, and here we systematically evaluate failed human corneal transplants with neovascularisation for the presence of lymphatic vessels.

Methods: Nine failed grafts with neovascularisation, based on H&E staining with subsequent immunoperoxidase staining for CD31, a blood vessel marker, were selected.