Participating in water sports

[tim_belfast]

Hi there,
I'm 28 and have KC in my right eye. I'm going in for a graft in the coming month but i've recently gained an interest in watersports... namely windsurfing. It's bad timing i know, but i've been putting off getting into it as i know it won't be possible after the graft. My assumption has been that i will be unable to participate in such sports for at least a year or more depending on how everything goes. I just wanted to know if I am right in this assumption.... is there a chance that i would 'never' be able to do something such as windsurfing or the like for risk of upsetting my graft? Will i have to treat my eye with 'kid gloves' for good?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Tim

[GarethB]

Tim

Never say Never.

All things in life carry a risk, just take each thing step by step.

Within a few months post graft I was back working on a farm and swimming long before 12 months was up. 12 months post graft in one eye and 24 months in the other I was working down the sewers, I was wind surfing, swimming again.

In 2004 I was told I would never compete in motor sport again, but since then on several occasions we have come to getting my vision to the required standard with lenses that are allowed under motor sport regulations.

These things take time, but my view is we need a real incentive to help us beat this challnges given to us.

Be guided by you surgeon and how your recovery progresses.

In the 20 years post graft I have achived many things people who have never had a vision problem would never dream of doing!

[tim_belfast]

Hi Gareth

Thanks for your reply... its very reassuring to hear that you were even going to the extreme of working down sewers!

Many thanks

Tim

[Andrew MacLean]

I agree with Gareth; just be guided by your ophthalmologist on when to get back to sport.

All the best

Andrew

[GarethB]

Nothing is risk free, but we can take steps to reduce the risks.

The envornmental and other research work I have done and still do to some extent I always take the appropriate precautions, just as I do with motor racing (when I am allowed to compete) and with using my lenses. Cleanliness and protecting the eye are a must and there are many ways to do this.

I am sure it is because of this approach that in 20 years post graft I have (touch wood) avoided eye infections.