UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Well its happened I had my graft done on Wednesday morning first thing.
I don't really know where to start because its hard to know whats normal after a graft.
It all seemed to go OK and my consultant seemed pleased enough afterwards (not that I remember talking too him as i was very spaced out all day), he did not seem overly concerned but did say that my remaining cornea was very thin forcing him to use 16 separate stitches instead of one continuous one probably more about that later.
I checked myself out that night and stumbled home and slept right through the night without any issues.
Thursday am I visited the hospital where the patch was removed too say I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. To my surprise I could see the chart on the wall including the first few lines, not clearly but a bloody good start. Pre op i could not even see my nose so this really was a bit of a shock.
I have felt quite groggy for the last few days but the pain has been minimal & manageable. The fact my brain now has some limited sight from left eye to now process seems to have created a element of disorientation which hopefully will settle down.
Writing this has been quite had work so soory if its a bit of a ramble, i will post later when I feel more up to it.
regards
Chris

Way to go Chris! Every good wish for a continued recovery!

Please do keep us up to date with things as they develop.

Andrew

All the best Chris! 16 separate stitches is quite common - and it does mean that the vision post-graft can be 'tweaked' by taking out the odd stitch if necessary. Here's to continued improvement - it's already sounding good!
Anne

With two people having grafts on the same day, it will be good to track the progress of both.

All the best

Andrew

I had my graft Tuesday evening. i am happy to compare with Chris. so far i don't think i am doing so well- my vision is not clear yet. still cloudy, but i am hopeful that it will improve.
i had 4 single stiches each with own knot and one running, zig zag stitch with a know at the top. apparently they are very neat. i will try to download a photo.

Melissa

I guess the four knotted sutures will enable your ophthalmologist to control the tension on your new cornea.

All the best

Andrew

I am not sure. He did say that the individual stitches will probably be the first to come out- at around 3 months, and the the running stitch at around 9 months. but he did also say that it all depends on how I heal etc.