Help about a corneal transplant.

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Bhav23
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Bhav23 » Wed 02 Aug 2017 6:39 pm

I have had a corneal transplant a few years ago in my left eye. I have managed my vision with contact lenses for my right eye so fat. But today at my clinic my vision was bad an a change in contact lens made no difference either. I have been referred to a corneal clinic, does this mean that I will have to have a corneal transplant in the right eye as well?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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Anne Klepacz
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Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
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Re: Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Anne Klepacz » Wed 02 Aug 2017 7:14 pm

Hello Bhav and welcome,
So had you noticed before today that your vision in your right eye had got worse, or was your grafted eye compensating for it? Do you wear a lens in your left eye as well, or did the graft give you good vision without correction? Only the corneal specialist can tell you whether a transplant in the right eye would be helpful, but of course it's your decision! Many years ago, when I had a transplant in the second eye, I really had no other option as the contact lens was giving me such poor vision. And I've never regretted it. But as we keep saying here, what's right for one person isn't necessarily the solution for someone else.
Do let us know what the specialist says.

Bhav23
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Posts: 3
Joined: Wed 02 Aug 2017 6:35 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Graft(s) and contact lenses

Re: Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Bhav23 » Wed 02 Aug 2017 8:45 pm

The vision in my right eye got poor within 2 weeks I hadn't really noticed because I wear a lens in the left eye. But when I tested out new contact lens in the right eye it was poor vision so I went back to my old lens and realised the vision is still poor. After the trouble I had with the left eye and it only been done 3 years ago I'm not sure I can go through it again. It's starting to effect me mentally as well.

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Anne Klepacz
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Joined: Sat 20 Mar 2004 5:46 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Graft(s) and contact lenses

Re: Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Anne Klepacz » Thu 03 Aug 2017 1:48 pm

If you're only noticing the bad vision in the right eye when you cover the left, then it sounds like the left eye is doing most of the work. And if that gives you good enough vision most of the time, then like I said before, it's really up to you whether you decide on another transplant at this stage. But every experience is different. I had no benefit from my first graft in my left eye until I could wear a contact lens again. So for nearly 2 years, I was dependent on the right eye which was steadily deteriorating. My experience with the right eye was different - within a few months the vision in that eye was better.
Hopefully the consultant will go through all the pros and cons with you if they do suggest another transplant to help you decide. Or maybe a different type of contact lens would give you better vision in the right eye?

Bhav23
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed 02 Aug 2017 6:35 pm
Keratoconus: Yes, I have KC
Vision: Graft(s) and contact lenses

Re: Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Bhav23 » Mon 14 Aug 2017 11:09 pm

So I have had my hospital appointment today they couldn't tell exactly what was wrong. The doctor didn't know but then came to the conclusion that due to the scaring on my right eye and increase in steepness my vision went down. So they said I have to either live with it or have a transplant. I am honestly in a dilemma I'm not sure what to do.

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Lia Williams
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Re: Help about a corneal transplant.

Postby Lia Williams » Wed 06 Sep 2017 4:49 pm

Bhav23 wrote: So they said I have to either live with it or have a transplant. I am honestly in a dilemma I'm not sure what to do.


Hi Bhav,

A graft is a big decision (it's not one I have had to make) but there are many stories on this forum where people describe how it has given them their life back. However it is not a quick fix and most people I know who have had grafts have also needed a contact lens or glasses to optimise their sight.

You might find it useful to view videos from the KC Group London conference which can be found here:

https://www.keratoconus-group.org.uk/conference_2016/

Also if you are in easy reach of London you may like to attend the London meeting on 14th October when there will be a talk by a corneal specialist.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=16342

Lia


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