UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I am 4 months post graft in my left eye (DALK). My vision in that eye is different (no more multiple images) but actually no better. I cannot see the big X on the chart (what does this make me?) which is the same as before. Last time I saw my Consultant, he said it wasn't healing as quickly as it should but that it would be OK. When they took a look they found a large 'sill' at the top of the cornea which could be the problem. The Consultant said I would need more time to heal and the stitches would probably stay in later than originally planned. My vision does seem very blurry and lights streak across my vision in a cresent shape, which could be the sill.
Since then, things have not get any better. I am due to see the Consultant next month. I know the graft route is a long road to good eye-sight but should it not be improving, even if very slowly? Or is it possible for it to suddenly improve, once the stitches come out?

Hi Matthew,

I am too allmost 4 months post graft and also left eye. Vision is gone a little bit better step by step but still there is a multiple images a little bit. I see my consultant in 9th April and waiting forward what he will say. Cant help you much but i hope things will go better for you. If you have some time it would be interesting if you could check out my eye test program to compare. Here is the thread - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4199

All the best,
Alvin

Hi Matthew,

I wouldn't worry too much, still early days! I'm now about 16 months post PK and I still cant see the top line.

Sarah

I wouldn't worry to much, mine was done 6 months ago and I can't read the top line either. visions all over the place at the moment too which is making life difficult.

Matthew: there are two questions here:

1 Should you be worried? Possibly not. DALK grafts take longer to recover good sight than old fashioned PK grafts, but the finished result is more stable. Four months is still very early days.

2 Are you worried? Evidently yes. Either contact the ophthalmology clinic and ask for an early appointment or, if your appointment is very close, ask when you go about recovery times and when you can expect to see well enough to function normally. I think that the answer may be that they are reluctant to prescribe glasses or even lenses until your graft has become stable, as an early prescription would involve you in extra expense as the prescription changed on a weekly or monthly basis.

All the best.

Andrew

Thanks a lot, guys! My next appointment is very close so I will ask then. I am functioning OK, although I am considering quitting driving, I am borderline, I think using my right eye with a lens. I only drive short distances and when I have too.

I was "off the road" for about four years. When I got back I found that everybody drove faster and was less considerate then when I stopped driving. Now things have settled down; people are driving at a more normal rate and are no less or more considerate than before.

Maybe it was just my perception that had changed.

Anyhow, Matthew, if you do have to suspend your driving activities, it does not follow that this will be a permanent cessation

Andrew

Matthew,

Hi there! I have had a DALK in my left eye as well and it will be two years post in August. I was told about the long waiting time for everything to heal and it was exactly that! I was so excited when the stitches did start to be removed, but was warned that my sight could change until it all settled down again. It did change and I wasn't really worried until the last few came out!

Before I had the graft I couldn't see the light box let alone any letters. Now with a contact lens I can see four / five lines but not much of a difference without one.

With both eyes though my vision is a lot more balanced even without lenses so it has definitely made a difference.

Stay positive, you will be surprised how quickly the time goes!

Thanks a lot, I was just wondering if I SHOULD worry and I guess its very early days Thanks for all your help and encouragement