Your Recovery

You had a partial thickness corneal transplant (called DSAEK, DMEK, or DALK). It was done to remove a diseased, infected, or scarred part of the cornea. That part was replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a person who has died.

After your transplant, you may be told to lie on your back at times throughout the first few days. You may also need to sleep on your back. You will also need to wear an eye shield overnight. Then you will need to wear a clear eye shield or glasses to protect your eye until it has healed.

Your eye may feel irritated or scratchy for a few days after surgery. But it's important not to rub your eye. Rubbing your eye could damage it. Your vision may be blurry for a period of time after surgery. For some people, it may take 6 to 12 weeks to get the full benefits of surgery and to see as clearly as possible.

Your doctor will give you eyedrops to help your eye heal and prevent your body from rejecting the donor tissue. Use the drops exactly as directed. You will need to see your doctor often to have your vision checked.

You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But your vision will still be blurry. You will need to avoid heavy lifting for about 4 weeks, or until your doctor says it is okay.