UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

my surgeon said that i can drink beer and staff like that a little bit but generally...can it affect my graft in any way? transplantation was in 7th dec 2007. and what about you? im asking cause i am a big beer lover

Can't really answer your query from a position of any knowledge - other than alcohol does cause dehydration - which, when you have had a graft, should be avoided I guess as your eyes will become dry. But I am sure alcohol in moderation won't harm you - the emphasis being on moderation!

thanks for reply.

alvin

I think I agree with Pat; if you keep well within the guidelines for units of alcohol per week, and well within the daily intake guidelines, you should see no really adverse effect on your graft.

Your liver, on the other hand ...

Andrew

Hi,
I didn't drink prior to or after my graft. The reason was that I was on a long course of anti-biotics to clear up eye infections that were caused through my sensitivity to contact lenses prior to the op and to control infection post op. I decided not to drink at all because although alcohol can be taken in moderation, it nevertheless mitigates the effect of the anti-biotic. That's OK for sinusitus or a throat infection(maybe) but I wasn't going to take chances with a life's opportunity to restore my eye-sight. I had a glass of wine on xmas day and again at Hogmanay but apart from that nothing. This coincided with my wife giving up alcohol because she found it caused asthma attacks. It was much easier with both of us not drinking. I have to say, I have not missed it at all. I still go out and socialise, its not a problem. That said, that's just me and I am happy to drink very occasionally and very little. But if you enjoy your beer, I think you should still drink but moderation has to be the key. You want to maximise your chances of full eye-sight after all.

Aside from the dehydration that alcohol causes, there is also the possibility of having an accident whilst under the influence and te risk of injury to the grafted eye.

That said, I'm not advocating giving up drinking, just do it reasonably and have a few pints of water as you go along (also helps avoid a hangover the following day )

Thanks. I definitely will be moderate.

smoking post op is more of an issue as its slows down healing. so i hgave up before my graft in Nov 2007, and am still not smoking. HI don't drink during the week anyway!!
but the weekend .........................

i am a smoker..trying to quit some day max 3 beers in weekends evening....

seriously- give up. what price a few fags over successful graft? speeds up healing no end as well as other health issues. I do not preach or speak lightly I am 39 and smoked since 15. But i chose sight over the wheezers