Likley improvements in corrected vision post draft

[Tim Payne]

Having trawled over the pro and cons, risks and potential benefits for some time I’m still not sure what I can expect in terms of improvement in my corrected vision post graft, i.e. once it has all settled down and hopefully once I’ve overcome all the potential problems during recovery and stabilisation. I currently get an average corrected vision of 20/70 in my left eye, graft is scheduled for 18th September, so I guess the big question that has been troubling me for some time is, what should my expectations be regarding improvements in my corrected vision post graft? Consultants I’ve spoken to have been reluctant to give a clear view on this, which I suppose is understandable….

[jayuk]

Tim

Its very difficult to ansa that; as each outcome is bespoke. Some take 6 months to be able to get vision, others can take 2 years to get stable vision.

I think one approach that seems logical is to only go the graft route once all other avenues have been explored; as you than have very little to lose in terms of vision. Obv there are other aspects to the graft such as time for recovery, time off work (if any), potential rejection, etc etc.

I think what you can do is ask your consultant what his record is on his graft patients in terms of visual acuity 6 months and 12 months and maybe beyond.....

HTH

J

[GarethB]

Tim,

The purpose of a graft is to provide a better surface for which vision can be corrected.

Although a surgeon may be able to give an answer regarding his succes regarding visual aquity to be honest this will not telly you much on the level of sight you can expect.

As Jay points out there are many variables affecting the outcome hence grafts are always saved as a last resort and should only be considerd as a more extreme way of managing KC.

Jay also mentions rejections which you will probably have noticed posts about. Data collected from UK corneal grafts shows that about 2 - 3% of all corneal grafts suffer rejection episodes, most of which are succesfully managed and controlled.

Medically a graft succes is one where the graft post op and post suture removal is clear, healthy and growing well.

A vast majority of grafts give what is considerd acceptable vision after correction with glasses or contact lenses. Most here would say acceptable vision is 6/6 (20/20), to me an acceptable level of vision means I can drive safely. A doctor may consider this to be a level of vision that allows you to function pretty much normally and that again is open to interpretation.

I know several people now since being part of this group that have decided not to go the graft route and where lenses are no longer a viable option. They are now registerd legall blind and have guide dogs, they still contribute to society and are succesful in their choosen carears and have what they consider a compete and fullfilled life.

When I had my graft in 1989, all I wanted was corrected vision that was at least as good as I had pre-graft, ideally better.

[Alison Fisher]

Hi Tim

As is the case with so many things with KC no one knows what the outcome of a graft will be.

Gareth is spot on with his point about what is acceptable vision for one person wouldn't be for another. To me my post graft vision is fantastic but it isn't as good as that enjoyed by the non-KC members of my family. I feel the real benefits are that I have this wonderful vision 24/7 with none of the discomfort and messing around with lenses. I wear glasses but after all the years of struggling with my lenses I don't mind that one little bit, plus I also now only have to go to the hospital once a year and my opticians once a year. My grafts have minimised the impact KC has on my life in more ways than just improved vision.

[Andrew MacLean]

I went from being legally blind in my right eye (best corrected vision) pre graft to having 6/6-2 in the same eye corrected post graft. The improvement was not instant, but when it arrived it was such a bonus and boon!

I know that others have had less positive outcomes than I, but I am an enthusiast for the graft when other measures have failed.

Andrew

[Tim Payne]

Thanks for your replies, really helpful. I've found making this decision to have the graft very difficult; determining what is the best thing to do for the short and longer term, the impact and balance between work and family life, and ultimately my attitude to risk and what I want out of life - hence your point about what is right for one person not necessarily being right for another. I'll let you know how things go on the 18th ...... regards .. Tim.

[Matthew_]

Good Luck!

[Alison Fisher]

Good luck from me as well Tim.

When I had my grafts I had next to no knowledge about what I was getting myself into and yet I still had a bad time agonising over so many issues to do with them. If I had known then what I know now I'm not 100% sure that I would have had them done and yet having them done has been among the best decisions I've ever made. I hope a year from now you can say the same thing.

[Andrew MacLean]

All the best Tim

Andrew