Hi Julie and welcome!
It's many years since my grafts (1986 and 88), both PK (full penetrating grafts) though these days most people have a partial graft (DALK) unless there is a lot of corneal scarring. Do you know which type you're likely to have?
I was off work for 3 weeks after each op, though as you've probably been told, the time it takes to get good vision is considerably longer. It also varies a lot - for me it was even different between the two eyes. With the first one, I didn't get any visual benefit until I could wear a contact lens in that eye again (about 18mths). With the second eye, I could see better after a few months. Most people will still need correction, either with glasses or with contact lenses, after a graft. After the op, there are several drops you have to take several times a day. The main ones are steroid drops to prevent rejection and those are usually used for about 6 months. Stitches are usually left in for 18mths or so, and it really isn't until after they come out that you know what the final vision in the grafted eye will be.
My graft journeys weren't straightforward ( I had a few rejection episodes along the way, all successfully reversed). But all these years on, the grafts are still doing fine. I get good vision with contact lenses AND the lenses are comfortable (which they certainly weren't pre-graft!)
If you'd like our information booklet on KC, which includes quite a bit about grafts, and a DVD with a good talk about grafts from one of the Moorfields consultants, just e-mail your postal address to
anne@keratoconus-group.org.uk and I'll send them to you.
I hope that helps. And do ask any more questions! I'm sure some of the people who have had more recent grafts will join in.
Anne