UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hello all

This is my first post here.
I have reached the stage,having tried unsuccesfully various scleral and corneal lenses, to have a corneal graft in my left eye.(Despite the best efforts of Ken Pullum and co at Moorfields)
I`m booked in with Mr Tuft for the 25th May.
Fortunately my right eye vision is very good,(despite mild kerataconus in that eye) and most of the time means that I can function,with the right being corrected with either glasses or a conventional soft disposable lens.
I have based my decision on the fact that as my left eye vision is so poor,that I have nothing to lose and eventually that my general vision will see an all round improvement.
Also thought I may aswell get the left done now,in case the right deteriorates in the future and whilst I am reatively young,fit and healthy!
I have read some posts on here from which I have taken some comfort regarding the procedure,but was wondering about the following:

1) How long before you could drive?
2)What situations did you avoid after your graft?
3) I enjoy taking my kids swimming every week.How long before can go again?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Regards Pete

You should not have a problem driving as you still have the one good eye. You are making the correct decision, the KC does not improve and will possibly become unmanageable - mine was in both eyes.

I would say you are going to be restricted exercise wise for at least the first month, then you can build things up. I was certainly swimming when I had the stitches, with goggles.I would certainly try and avoid dusty type environments. Your consultant should be able to direct you on this.

Hello PeteB

Well glad you made a decision, but Im even more glad its that LAST resort....its always concerning when KC patients dont exhaust all avenues and go straight to the Cutting board.....So to speak. I ensured there was absolutely no other solution available as I was fully aware of the upside and downside....and like you...I had nil gain nil loss with having it.

1) How long before you could drive?

I actually drove yesterday to the Supermarket, and thats 9 days post op. I am forutante enough not have have light sensitivty but even still just wore a pair of shades. However time taken to return is dependent on the individual...others on here have driven 3-4 weeks after etc

2)What situations did you avoid after your graft?

Anything strenuous. I have had to give up 9 years bodybuilding, gym, circuit training etc for this graft. But I guess you cant put a price on vision so I didnt care!. Also, for the first month you are not supposed to life anything more than 10lb.

Basically any activity that can add pressure to the head, induce contact to the face, etc should be avoided in the initial stages of post graft recovery

3) I enjoy taking my kids swimming every week.How long before can go again?


Again dificult to say, but with goggles Id say after about 4-6 weeks, but could be longer dep on yur success and progression of recovery

Many Thanks for the replies guys.Seems as though I`m going to have to take things easier than I thought.
Not easy with a 3 month old and a 2 year old in the house!

Pete

I know exactly what you mean....I have a 4 week old!!..Lol....he was 2 weeks when i had the op...but luckily my wife was fantastic about everything and dealt and helped like one wouldnt beleive!...

Wow ,a baby and a corneal graft all in the same month! Thats some going!
Congats on being a dad.Nothing quite like it is there?

Hi Pete,
Just want to wish you all the best for your op, hope all goes well for you. I can't give you any post op advice cos I don't have my op till june. My kids are now 17 and 14 so I'm lucky that they don't need as much from me as your little ones if you know what I mean.
Good Luck!

I will keep you all posted as to my progress after next week.
Only a week to go!
For someone that is incredibly squeamish and generally useles around the subject of surgery I am a lot more confident having read of other`s experiences.

Just one more question for you all.How long post op did you notice a change in your vision.
What form of correction do you require now,if any?

Pete,

You have just asked the most difficult question of all, so I will answer purly on my experience.

Post op (next day), had first stich out to help keep the right curvature and had an immediate improvement. Each time a stich or two were removed there was an immediate improvement which during the first year renderd the glasses usless everytime a stich was removed, but it only took a week to get a new pair.

Had glasses for the next couple of years for the slight astigmatism that remaind and mild short sightedness. After about 4 years no correction needed and this remained for about six years or so. Went to glasses again for mild astigmatism and as short sightedness increased.

Grafts are now 18 and 17 years old respectivly and are performing well.

A vast majority of graft patients manage quite well with glasses post op for the rest of the grafts life.

It is probably fait to say those here like me with post graft issues are the minority so not representative of the general graft population.

Positive thoughts, enjoy the happy gas and medicine, you will be fine.

Gareth

Hello Pete

Just hoping all went well with your op.

best wishes

Susan