What should I expect from corneal transplants?
The newest available corneal transplant is called DSAEK, older version is called PK. Most patients are uncomfortable the day after surgery. You will visit your ophthalmologist weekly for the first few weeks post-operatively, and then the visits will get less frequent as long as you are healing well. In the PK version of corneal transplant, you will have stitches that hold your cornea on as the graft seals, over time those stitches are removed to improve your vision and adjust astigmatism. In the DSAEK less stitches are used (sometimes one), results are much better than with PK, less healing time, better vision. You will use steroid drops for a while (3 months +) to ensure the graft is strong and healing as quickly as possible. After the procedure you will use antibiotic drops for 2 weeks or so. Here’s some more information: http://www.mayoclinic.
