Question about irregular astigmatism post-graft

[stevematic]

Hi,

I'm currently on the waiting list for a cornea for DALK surgery on my right eye. I know there is a high chance of irregular astigmatism post-graft, requiring people to still wear spectacles or RGP lenses. I was interested in the possibility of wavefront-guided PRK or LASIK and the success of this in reducing irregular astigmatism and improving visual acuity. I have no problems wearing spectacles but am contact lens intolerant. What are the chances of the wavefront-guided laser treatments in improving visual acuity to someone who would otherwise require RGP lenses.

I realise that every individual is a unique case and it's impossible to categorically give an answer. However, I'm just interested in the speculation over the possibilities this can bring.

Thank you

[Andrew MacLean]

stevematic

At one time laser surgery to correct irregular astigmatism after corneal graft was far more common than it seems to be now. I am sorry, but I'm afraid I have no clue as to why this should be. It was never offered to me, although the NHS clinic I attend does have the kit.

Maybe I'll ask next time I see my ophthalmologist.

Andrew

[stevematic]

stevematic

At one time laser surgery to correct irregular astigmatism after corneal graft was far more common than it seems to be now. I am sorry, but I'm afraid I have no clue as to why this should be. It was never offered to me, although the NHS clinic I attend does have the kit.

Maybe I'll ask next time I see my ophthalmologist.

Andrew

Andrew,

That would be great. It does seem odd that it's not offered as often anymore. When I visited my ophthalmologist in December about the possibility of DALK on my eye, he briefly said that we could always laser surgery on the new cornea if need be.

[melissa]

i was tentatively offered this (wavefront) before my graft but i haven't had the need to follow it up- as far as i know there is only one machine in RSA. i would be concerned of the risk of damaging the new graft- but i suppose if i needed to improve the vision i would consider it based on the specialists recommendation.

[stevematic]

i was tentatively offered this (wavefront) before my graft but i haven't had the need to follow it up- as far as i know there is only one machine in RSA. i would be concerned of the risk of damaging the new graft- but i suppose if i needed to improve the vision i would consider it based on the specialists recommendation.

That's great that you feel your graft has been a success!

Is there much risk when the new graft has normal thickness?