Pregnant and Keratoconus (post graft surgery)

[Junopops]

Hi

I'm new to this forum and I had a search for similar topics around being pregnant and becoming pregnant with keratoconus. Most of the threads are a few years old so I just thought I would start a new one.

Anyway my background is that I was diagnosed with keratoconus when I was 14. I'm now 32 and I have had a corneal graft in both eyes. I wear contact lenses and for the most part my eyes are stable. My question is, if I decide to try and get pregnant, does anyone know if this would have an effect on my keratoconus? Or is it just one of those questions where theres not one answer to? Does it just depend on the individual?

I look forward to your replies on this and any experiences you have. Especially those of you who are in a similar situation to myself who have had surgery and are mainly just living with keratoconus and wearing contact lenses for vision.
Thanks

[Anne Klepacz]

Hi and welcome!
I don't think we've had this question from someone with grafts in both eyes before. The hormonal changes of pregnancy do seem to trigger progression of KC in some women, though not all. I think last time the topic was raised, several people said pregnancy hadn't had an effect on their KC. So it does seem to be a bit of an individual thing. But you're in a different position, because with grafts in both eyes, you shouldn't be at risk of your KC changing. You don't say when you had your grafts - are all the stitches out in both of them? I'm guessing actually giving birth would put a strain on a graft with stitches still in but once you're past that point? I think this is really one to talk to your consultant about. But it would be good to hear from some graftees who have had children since their grafts.
All the best
Anne

[Junopops]

Thanks for the reply Anne.
I had my left eye graft done in 2003 and then I had my right eye graft done in 2007. I was only in the Eye Hospital a couple of weeks ago and both grafts are looking good and both are clear. All of the stitches are out of both grafts so like you say, you'd imagine giving birth would be riskier with stitches in. The next time I am in with my consultant I will ask him this question. Maybe it is just a case of each individual. I would be interested in hearing from other graftees who have had children. Thanks.

[space_cadet]

*waves* I have a graft in my right eye n left is far too severe to do anything with, I am also "Nuhmee" to a small human who will be 22 months next week. Prior to pregnancy I was reliant on a white cane for mobility due to legal blindness status of my KC, post pregnancy I can without aids read the top line on the chart unaided, my consultant confirmed yesterday that I am probably a exception that prooves the rule, but in my case post pregnancy my KC is the most stable n graft has had no rejection spells or infection which prior to pregnancy were a weekly occurance. Feel free to message me

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