DMEK corneal transplant

Posted by vancy @vancy, May 26 7:49pm

I had a DMEK corneal transplant 18 days ago and a rebubbling procedure 10 days ago, but my vision still hasn’t improved. Everything still looks very foggy and blurry. I see my doctor every week, but personally I don’t feel any improvement, especially because the central part is still detached. My doctor believes we should give it more time, but emotionally I’m really struggling because I feel like the surgery may not have been successful.

I don’t know if anyone here has had a similar experience after DMEK surgery. I would really appreciate hearing about your recovery process and experiences. Thank you

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jksteger74 | @jksteger74 | 2 days ago

I had my DMEK corneal transplant Thursday, May 28th. The day after, my doctor said everything looked great and was scheduled to come back into the office in one week for another post-op follow up.
I couldn't really see anything until Sunday after surgery. On Sunday evening, I was able to see the television screen. It wasn't 100% but it was fairly clear. I could read texts in the advertisements. The next day, Monday, I noticed I could still 'read' some text on the tv but it all looked washed out and foggy. Tuesday, not only was my vision in that eye foggy, it had become very much blurry. It got worse by Wednesday to the point where it was like looking through waxy paper.
On Friday, i say my doctor again. He again said it looked great and was positioned great. When reviewing the after office notes, it was noted that there was fluid between the cornea and donor tissue but he didn't say that to me that I can recall. I was told that the tissue had detached and I needed to have a rebubble, which he did. So I had to lay with my eyes facing the ceiling for 24 hours again. This was Friday into Saturday. On Saturday morning 6/6/26 I could see the text on the TV again like before but by the end of the day, my vision was foggy again. This morning, Sunday 6/7/26, my vision is almost back to what it was last Wednesday.
I have no idea if this is normal or not. I can still see some of the air bubble when I look straight up.
I want to believe this is just part of the process but I just "have a feeling" that it's not.
I know this doesn't help you find answers but know that similar to you, it's happening to me as well. I will keep you updated on my progress in this post. Thanks.

vancy | @vancy | 2 days ago

Thank you for sharing your experience with me. I’ve noticed that my vision has improved a lot, but I’m still very sensitive to light, especially when watching TV. I don’t know whether it will get better or not. Fortunately, I’ll be seeing my doctor again tomorrow.

jksteger74 | @jksteger74 | 3 hours ago

thank you for your update, this gives me encouragement.
How long did it take before the foggy vision cleared up? My doctor states that what I'm experiencing sounds "normal". I will see him this Friday, 06/12, and I will find out if the graft re-attached after the new bubble last week.
My vision does seem to be better today; however, the foggy vision continues. What I see through the foggy vision is clear, if that makes sense.
Thank you

vancy | @vancy | 1 hour ago

Hi,

My vision started to improve after about 18 days. I also had a rebubbling procedure, and my vision was foggy for those 18 days. Patience is important because vision tends to fluctuate during recovery, some days are better, and some are not.

My vision has mostly returned now, but I am still sensitive to light and my eye does not feel completely comfortable yet. However, according to my doctor, everything is healing very well.

I hope your vision fully returns soon as well.