graft, steriods,cataracts!

[Kim Remmington]

Was meant to be having a graft today after the one last year didn't work. It's been cancelled till next week due to lack of donors my age.
Anyway after being on steriods for nearly a year, the surgeon found out last week that I have developed a cataracts. I've searched through some posts but haven't found anything about it. Am I alone in having this bad luck?

[GarethB]

Hi Kim,

There are people here who have had multiple grafts after rejection, but they are in the minority. Never heard of anyone developing cataracts.

I have only heard of a few people where KC starts again in the old cornea the graft is attached to which is the case with me, but that took 16 years.

Sorry can not help further.

[jayuk]

Kim

I have cataracts in both my eyes...however it was picked up during my initial Pre-graft appointments last year.

I have been told that I may need to have them out in about 10-15 years depending on if they get worse but right now it is very minor and will not affect my vision.

The down side of the Steroid drops are there long term use primarily aiding in cataracts..it is common to have cataracts post graft especially if you have used the stronger "maxidex" over long periods.

However, having cataracts removed is a very easy process now, and I was told that my graft would not be an issue when/if Id need them out in the years to come.

Hope that helps!

[Kim Remmington]

Thanks to both of you. I was just feeling sorry for myself. Sorry

[Rob Armstrong]

Hey, don't apologise! We all feel like that sometimes - that's what this place is for.

As for the cataracts, I remember reading the leaflet for my steroid drops and being concerned that it lists the possibility of them as a side effect of long term use. It doesn't specify the definition of "long term" though.

Guess your experience answers that.

Scary, I too was using them for around a year post graft, and have been back on them recently following some broken stitches.

Rob.

[Kim Remmington]

Thanks Rob,
I wouldn't go by my experience of the drops and cataracts as I seem to have unusual ways of reacting to things and also my healing of my graft was incredibly fast (too fast).
I hope your broken stitches get sorted out and thanks for the support.

[jayuk]

Kim

What was the healing period for you?.....What makes you think it was fast?...just out of curiosity...im trying to understand what determines fast healing...

cheers!

[Kim Remmington]

Well of course I'm only going by what the consultants have said, but it was within a month. Which is why with all the restitching I have had done that it didn't make any difference as ithad already healed. With this next graft it us going to be a very tight balance between using the steroids which actually aid the collagen healing. They are going to give me large amounts at the beginning and then cut this down, if not enough steroids are used then it could be that 2 - 3 years down the line the graft can lift due to it not knitting together properly. I think this is the gist of it anyway!

[jayuk]

A Month?!?!....Blimey!.....now that is fast!..I can see where the issues could arise there....! I guess its good in a way that you heal fast!......

So how is that eye now?...

[Kim Remmington]

Just about to have a repeat graft (Friday 21st) on the eye as I haven't gained any vision from the graft. Although the graft is very successful in every other way i.e. clear, no rejection etc. I'm just hoping that it works this time!!!