Post Operative Care
The care protocol may vary from one individual to another, however the basic principles remain the same. Patients having endothelial cell transplant as opposed to a traditional graft, will experience less post op symptoms and will be able to see more quickly. Again the rate of recovery varies from patient to patient.
Vision will be blurry for the first few weeks ( often more blurry than before the operation)
A steroid drop called dexamethasone 0.1% ( Maxidex) will be prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent rejection. It is usually taken 6 x a day during the first week with the frequency reduced over the remaining 6 + months.
An antibiotic ( Chloramphenicol) will be prescribed, for use 4 x a day until the superficial layer has healed. This can usually be stopped after 1 week.
Visual recovery following full thickness corneal graft surgery is usually slow and post op visits are arranged at the following post op intervals:
1 day , 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, 2 years and then yearly after that.
At these visits, sutures will be removed at intervals, to reduce induced astigmatism. Intraocular pressure will also be measured, as this can become elevated after corneal graft surgery.
Rejection is a serious problem when it happens. Symptoms include, redness, soreness and sudden blurring of vision.If these symptoms occur always seek prompt medical advice. Rejection requires rapid and appropriate steroid treatment.
Surrey Eye Clinic
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