How Long?

[Shaz]

Does anyone know how long Grafts usually last?

I had mine 21 years ago and have just been told that it has now failed. I am waiting to see the Specialist to see what the next step is. It has been a bit of a shock after all this time. I suffer from Keratoconus.

Reading about grafts now I can see that things have certainly changed since I had my graft.

Thanks for your help and such a great site - I have found it very helpful.

[Andrew MacLean]

Hello Shaz

Good to see you. don't know how long they last. I had my first one done in December 03, and had been hoping that would do my right eye for the rest of my life, but maybe that's too much to ask.

The question seems to be like a piece of string ... the answer is it varies! I'd be interested to know if your 21 years is a record or if anyone has a longer lasting graft?

Andrew

[Shaz]

Have now seen the Specialist and there is an enormous amount of scarring but he can find no reason for this.

I have to have more tests, but the options are either to have an operation to scrape away at the cornea or to have another graft.

Anybody heard of, have any info on or has had the op to scrape away at the cornea?

Thanks.

[Janet Manning]

Hi there,
As far as I know there is no research about how long grafts last beyond 5 years! It's unbelievable how confidently surgeons advise on having the op, given this fact. I know someone who has a 30 year old graft and is doing well. The odds of rejection reduce as the fraft gets older I believe. You have a different problem by the sound of it, with the scarring. Does this come from contacts?
I have also read on this site about people having regrafts, so it does happen.
All the very best.
Janet