PostOp Eyes

Corneal Transplant Month 1: What to Expect

General information about typical recovery, not medical advice. Every eye and every surgery is different, and your surgeon's instructions override anything on this page. Read our full disclaimer.

By one month the two paths look very different. After DSAEK or DMEK the cornea is usually clearing well and vision is often much better than it was at week 1. The Cornea Research Foundation of America reports that DSEK patients without other eye problems usually achieve average vision of 20/30 or better within a couple of months, so month 1 is often partway there.

After a full thickness (PK) graft, month 1 usually still means blurry, distorted vision with a lot of astigmatism from the sutures. That is expected. Complete vision after PK may take up to one year or longer.

Most people are still on steroid drops, usually tapering. Do not change the schedule yourself. Published guidance is to avoid rigorous physical activity for at least six weeks after a full thickness transplant, so month 1 is still inside the restricted window.

Usually normal at this stage

  • blurry vision that is slowly improving (endothelial grafts)
  • blurry and distorted vision with little change yet (PK)
  • awareness of stitches
  • mild light sensitivity
  • occasional redness or watering
  • vision that fluctuates day to day

Still off-limits

  • no rigorous exercise or heavy lifting yet after a full thickness graft
  • no rubbing the eye, ever
  • ask your surgeon before swimming
  • ask before contact sports; use protective eyewear when cleared
  • keep every follow up appointment
  • call right away for the RSVP rejection warning signs

More on corneal transplant recovery

Sources