Has anyone had a Cornea Transplant?

Hi, @ricomartin. I want to welcome you to Connect. I am a transplant recipient, however, my only experience with cornea transplants is knowing that a cousin once had a successful one. I don't know how much time is needed for a full recovery from the surgery, but I am hoping that your vision will improve over time. I look forward to hearing from other members who will see your message and will have an experience to share with you.

Has the doctor been able to offer you any helpful sugestions?

Hi @ricomartin, welcome to Connect. I received cornea transplants about 12 years ago due to Fuchs dystrophy. I understand and remember my feelings of concern and frustration during the phase of blurriness and dealing with those uncomfortable air bubbles and light sensitivity. Sorry that I can't place how long it took for vision to clear but I know I needed patience during that time. It's hard when two eyes are out of sink visually as well.

I encourage you to keep lines of communication open with your doctor. Explain to them what you're feeling and sensing, we know our bodies best. Maybe they will help to ease your mind of the healing process and timeline for success. Each person's experience my slightly vary.

Wishing you good healing vibes! Is this the only eye or will you need the other done, too?

Hi Rachel, I have to admit when I lodged my post on Mayo Connect, I didn't expect a reply so soon. When I queried ChatGPT on the recovery time from Cornea replacements, the average time suggested for visual recovery is supposedly 2 weeks. I'm way past that, and I'm up for my third air bubble next Monday.

You take vision from both eyes for granted since birth, but when you lose sight in one, it feels devastating. It really has been frustrating for me, but your reply has given me a greater sense of hope.

I guess I'll just have to trust the science (and my Specialist). Needless to say, I'll hold off on getting my second eye done until this one settles.

Thank you for post. Your words have reassured me more than you can imagine

@rosemarya
Thanks Rosemary.
I'll remain hopeful...
Cheers, Fred

Hi Fred, @ricomartin, you're welcome. I'm glad we shocked you with a quick reply and you feel more hopeful.

It is tough, I felt devastated as well, and with no pun intended, it really opened my eyes for the appreciation of sight. I also had cataract surgeries prior to transplants and after all the grind of surgeries and healing, I was amazed at the restoration of my sight.

Try your best to keep a positive outlook and remember each person's journey may be slightly different - if you need another air bubble, then that's what it may take. Have faith that your doctor is doing whats needed for a successful outcome. You got this!

Will you check back in and let us know how all continues to go?

Hi Rachel. Just wanted to let you know that my vision is back, and that I'm on the path to recovery. Things came together for me after my third bubble. It's nice to feel normal again. Thanks for your encouragement. It helped me to put my mind at ease. The Support Team at Mayo has been inspiring. Your chat channel must be a ray of hope for loads of people dealing with their afflictions. Thanks for being there. Cheers Fred

@ricomartin Yes! I'm so happy to hear this awesome news and that you're on the road to recovery. You must feel such a sense of relief. Without people like you asking questions and sharing health experiences, Mayo Clinic Connect wouldn't thrive as it does. Thank you for the positive feedback.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or need support. By @mentioning (myself or whomever) before your message, it will ensure a more direct notification of your post to that person. And, if you do need another transplant...rest assured you will be much better prepared. Cheers to you as well!