Corneal Transplant Recovery Timeline: Your Guide to Optimal Healing

Losing your vision is a scary consequence of various eye problems, but a corneal transplant can preserve vision and improve eyesight. Read on to learn about corneal transplant surgery and what to expect during the recovery process.

Eye problems such as keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, and Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy can lead to vision problems and even blindness without proper treatment. When nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, a corneal transplant is often the best option.

Corneal transplant surgery removes the damaged cornea and replaces it with new, healthy corneal tissue from a donor. The procedure restores vision and eye health after a recovery period.

The Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge team offers a cutting-edge procedure that reduces the recovery time for a corneal transplant. Our four experienced Ophthalmologists are among those who provide Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK).

What happens right after a corneal transplant?

Right after a corneal transplant, you can go home the same day with specific instructions. Your eye will be red and your vision blurry, which is normal. Light sensitivity is also common after corneal transplant surgery.

We put an eye patch over the surgical eye to protect it from infection and debris. Avoid rubbing your eyes or getting anything in them to avoid infection or other complications.

You will need to pick up prescription eye drops to reduce swelling and prevent infection. Use these eye drops as we direct to ensure your eye heals properly.

Rest on the day of surgery and avoid any strenuous activity. Please check with us to ensure you have a follow-up appointment within the next day or so.

Taking care of your eyes in the first few weeks

The first few weeks after surgery are crucial in the recovery process. It's essential to keep the eye patch on and wear a protective eye shield at night to prevent bacteria from entering the eye as it heals.

It's also critical to lie on your back for the first few days after a corneal transplant. We insert an air or gas bubble into the eye during DSEK surgery to aid the new tissue, so you need to lie face-up for at least two days.

Putting eye drops in to prevent infection and alleviate swelling is another critical component of aftercare. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the eye drops to prevent infection.

You’ll have several follow-up appointments in the first few weeks after surgery. During these appointments, we examine your cornea to ensure it's healing properly and that there are no other issues.

Activity restrictions are also in place to prevent damage to the new tissue. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for about four weeks. Women shouldn't wear eye makeup until we say it's okay.

How long until I fully recover?

The amount of time it takes to recover from a corneal transplant depends on the type you have and how well you follow post-op instructions. It takes much longer to heal from a full-thickness corneal transplant than it does from the DSEK procedure.

Most people who have a full-thickness transplant can expect the recovery to take about a year, sometimes less if you're healthy. During that time, it's common to have redness and eye sensitivity.

Many people opt for the DSEK procedure because it significantly reduces recovery time. It allows us to restore vision in many people, with full results achieved in as little as 2-6 months.

People who undergo the DSEK procedure typically notice an improvement in their vision within two weeks, with optimal results usually occurring within a few months.

Following the postop protocol is the best and most efficient way to heal after a corneal transplant.

Contact us at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today to schedule an appointment for an eye exam or corneal transplant surgery. You can also book online by clicking here.