How to Care for Your Eyes After a Corneal Transplant
October 21st, 2024
A corneal transplant can be a life-changing procedure that dramatically improves your vision. Proper aftercare is vital to encouraging safe healing and a successful outcome.
You will get detailed aftercare instructions from your eye doctor before your transplant so you can plan ahead for what you’ll need to do in the days and weeks after the procedure. However, you may still be wondering what to expect.
Keep reading to learn more about how to care for your eyes after a corneal transplant.
What To Expect the Day of Your Corneal Transplant
Depending on what you and your doctor discussed before the procedure, you will either undergo sedation or general anesthesia. For general anesthesia, you must follow instructions about what and when you can eat and drink the night before.
During the procedure, your eye surgeon at Laser Eye Center will remove part or all of your cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue. The procedure itself will likely take 1-2 hours.
Afterward, you will spend some time in recovery, where your eye surgeon can monitor your eye pressure and other vitals. Most people can go home the same day as their corneal transplant.
Your eye doctor will let you know when you can expect to be able to go home.
Corneal Transplant Aftercare
After your transplant, you will receive a prescription for eye drops and other medications that prevent infection, reduce swelling, and help your eye heal. You should take these exactly as directed.
Your eye doctor will also prescribe anti-rejection medications so your eye accepts the transplanted tissue. You may need to take these medications for up to a year.
You should plan to rest for the first couple of days after the corneal transplant. Some transplant procedures, such as an endothelial transplant, require you to lie on your back for several days to aid healing.
Immediately after your transplant, you will need to wear a shield over your eye. You should keep this on for the first day after the procedure and wear it at night for several weeks.
This prevents you from rubbing your eyes in your sleep. Protecting your eye is vital to the recovery process.
You should avoid touching or rubbing your eyes as much as possible. You can bathe or shower normally, but you should not get water or soap in your eye.
It is also best to avoid dusty or smoky areas, as the particles can irritate your eye and increase the risk of infection. Your eye may be sore for the first few days after the procedure.
You can manage pain with over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed by your eye doctor. You may also notice sensitivity to light.
Wearing UV-protective sunglasses can help make you more comfortable. You should report any new or increasing pain immediately, which might indicate an infection.
When Can I Return to Normal Activities after a Corneal Transplant?
You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks after your corneal transplant. This includes exercise, lifting heavy objects, or manual labor.
Your eye doctor will tell you when you can return to normal activities based on how your eye is healing. Depending on your job responsibilities, you may be able to return to work after as little as two weeks.
If your job involves more physical activity, your eye doctor will let you know when you can resume regular duties. Your vision will likely improve gradually after the transplant.
Some people notice significant improvements in just a few weeks, but your vision can take as much as a year to stabilize. You may still need glasses or contacts even after a corneal transplant.
Do you want to learn more about preparing for your corneal transplant? Schedule an appointment at Laser Eye Center in Huntsville, AL, today!
