Long-term topical corticosteroids are the cornerstone of post-operative management following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and other corneal transplant procedures. Their primary purpose is to suppress the immune response in the host eye, thereby preventing and treating corneal graft rejection. While they have some anti-inflammatory effects that can indirectly aid healing and reduce swelling, their main role is immunosuppression. Antibiotics are used for infection prevention, and anti-glaucoma medications are used to reduce intraocular pressure if elevated. While steroids can reduce inflammation which is part of wound healing, their primary role in this context is immunosuppression.
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