·AIM:To examine the relationship between corneal lymphangiogenesis and hemangiogenesis after keratoplasty.·METHODS:Nineteen human corneas were obtained from 19 patients undergoing a second corneal transplantation in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in 2005.Blood and lymphatic vessels in human transplanted corneas were identified by lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor(LYVE-1)and platelet endothelial cell adhesion modecule-1(PECAM-1)immunohistochemistry,and double enzyme-histochemistry;then the association of corneal blood vessel counting(BVC)with lymphatic vessel counting(LVC)was examined.·RESULTS:Corneal hemangiogenesis was present in 12 cases(63%),and lymphangiogenesis occurred in 5 cases(26%)of human transplanted corneas.In addition,corneal lymphangiogenesis was only present in vascularized corneas.LVC was strongly and positively correlated with BVC(r=0.725;P<0.01).·CONCLUSION:Corneal lymphangiogenesis develops after keratoplasty,and strongly associates with hemangiogenesis.·