UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi All. I'm new to the Group, but have lived with KC in my left eye for the past 44 years or so (I'm now 64). All this time the condition has been controlled by a combination of glasses and a contact lens, with which I usually managed OK. After the last year or so experimenting with many different lenses, scleral, cushion lenses etc. tolerance finally became too short (less than 3 hours on average) and the op became necessary. I had a penetrating keratoplasty on the 5th December in Sheffield. Very sore eye for over a week, inevitable given what was done to it, but getting a lot better now. Cold winds and bright sunlight are a problem, but the latter was always an issue when wearing a contact lens. I took several days to get over the general anaesthetic; bit like being drunk, but without the benefits of having drunk the wine or beer! So far vision is no better or worse than before the op i.e. I still can't see the top letter on the chart, but it's very early days yet. The ultimate result for me would be to just have to wear glasses, but I'm still expecting a contact lens will be necessary. Over the many years I've been treated the staff at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and much more recently, Sheffield Royal Hallamshire, have been brilliant. I am deeply grateful to the NHS.

Hi Kellis47 and welcome to the forum!
All the very best with continued good recovery. As you say, it's very early days yet so it's not surprising you're not seeing a difference in your vision so far (though some lucky people do have a quick improvement). Things will continue to change for up to a year and if you do find you need a contact lens at the end of it, hopefull you'll find it much more comfortable than pre transplant. I can sympathise with the cold winds and bright sunlight - when I came out of hospital after my first graft there was snow on the ground and the white was unbearably dazzling!
Do let us know how you get on in the coming months.
Anne

Hello Kellis47; welcome to the forum.

I had my first graft when I was well into my 50's and, while recovery was not instant, I did continue to improve until I had better than 6/6 vision (corrected).

Every good wish with your recovery. As Anne says, do please stay in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Andrew