What does the abbreviation PKP stand for in ophthalmic surgery?

The abbreviation PKP stands for penetrating keratoplasty, which is a surgical procedure involving the full-thickness transplantation of the cornea. This surgery is performed to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea, utilizing a technique that involves making a circular incision in the cornea and removing the affected tissue. The donor cornea is then fashioned to fit the recipient's eye and sutured into place.

Penetrating keratoplasty is commonly indicated in cases of corneal scarring, extreme refractive errors, or conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea's shape and integrity are compromised. It is a vital procedure aimed at restoring vision and improving the quality of life for patients with significant corneal conditions.

The other options, while related to corneal surgery, do not accurately reflect the definition of PKP. Partial keratoplasty refers to procedures that involve only the superficial layers of the cornea, pneumatic keratoplasty refers to a less common technique that utilizes air to reposition a detached retina, and peripheral keratoplasty is a term not widely used in the same context as PKP. Therefore, the selection of penetrating keratoplasty captures the essence of the procedure denoted by PKP in ophthalmic surgery