UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

How long is the typical waiting period for a donor cornea? does it differ in different areas? Does it depend on age?

Hi Melissa and welcome!
Yes, the waiting time does vary around the country. As far as I know, it can be anything from 3 months to a year. Have you been told you need a graft?
Anne

melissa

Welcome to the forum!

I did not have to wait more than three months for either of my grafts, but I am an old man. I know that ophthalmologists are very reluctant to graft tissue from an older donor into a young eye, and this may cause a little delay while they wait for appropriately young tissue.

How long have you been waiting?

Andrew

Thanks for the welcome.
I am in South Africa, and have been told by 3 optahlmologists that a full PK is neccessary in my right eye. my piggy backs are no longer tolerable and i battle to work without decent vision in that eye.
I have been told the waiting list here is up to 2 years (not sure of the reasons for that- HIV? cultural? administration?)
I have however found another option- importing a cornea from USA. All legal and above board- and my private medical insurance is going to pay. so i am still waiting (6 weeks now) but expect some action in the next month or 2.

melissa

I am so sorry that you have had to wait so long. Like you, I cannot understand the long delay, except that it may be possible in your jurisdiction that there is not the same culture of tissue donation that is prevalent in the USA and Europe?

At least you seem to have things moving now.

Isn't it wonderful that families, at a time of tragedy and grief, can be generous enough to think of the living and their needs for tissue that can be donated?

Andrew

it is a wonderful gift. i am still a little freaked out by the idea, but i know i have no choice, and am sure it will be worth it.
my main concern is whether i will be able to drive after the operation. I realise that i may need to hire a driver for a few weeks, as it is not possible to get around SA without a car, and my work keeps takes me out of the office quite a bit.

melissa

I know how that feels; but while some of us were 'off the road' or at least out from behind the wheel for some time after surgery, others have been back driving far more quickly.

Every good wish.

Andrew