Corneal replacements treat vision problems caused by injuries, infections and other conditions. After you have had a corneal transplant, you can increase the success of the procedure by following some simple post-operative steps for care. Failure to follow your doctor's instructions and the basic guidelines for recovery can increase the chances of the transplant failing, so follow all recovery instructions to the letter.
Post-Operative Care
After corneal transplant and leaving the hospital, you should rest. Then several post-operative measures will ensure quick recovery. Continue wearing the eye patch for protection until the doctor instructs otherwise. The eye patch protects your eye from light and accidental injury. The new cornea is very sensitive to light and susceptible to damage if particles get into your eye. Administer eye drops as prescribed by the doctor. These medicated eye drops help prevent your eye from rejecting the new cornea.
Shield your eye from accidental pokes and bumps and never press or rub the eye as these can damage the sensitive new cornea. You cannot swim unless the doctor allows it. Avoid sports. Avoid driving until the doctor allows it. Wear glasses or sunglasses during the day. Avoid sleeping on the operative eye. Finally, do not shower until the doctor allows it, although you can bathe from the neck down. You will usually be allowed to shower within a week to a few weeks following the surgery, although full recovery from the operation may take up to 12 months.
Watch for Complications
Like any other transplant surgery, rejection is possible. In the case of a corneal transplant, Pamel Vision & Laser Group reports that the chances of rejection are the highest in the first six months to one year after the surgery, after which the chances of rejection diminish greatly. This means that your immune cells might reject the new cornea tissues. Some indications of transplant rejection include red eye, pain, blurred vision and light sensitivity. Aside from rejection, post-operative complications may come from glaucoma (a disease caused by the increasing pressure from the inside of the eye), focusing problems, swelling of the retina, bleeding in the eye and/or eye infection.
You should immediately contact your doctor if any of the following occur: 1) fever and chills 2) increased pain and eye redness 3) chest pain and respiratory problems, 4) vomiting or nausea or 5) continued vision problems.
Recovery Time Period
You'll need to have your eyes checked several times over the next several weeks and months to ensure that your eye is healing well. You can expect your vision to return to close to normal within approximately 12 months, depending on the success of the surgery. Upon approval from your doctor, you'll be able to resume normal activities within this time frame.
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