Cycling after Cornea Transplant

[Sbloomer]

Yesterday just underwent a DALK Cornea Transplant. I haven't yet asked my surgeon (I see him later today) about cycling after the procedure.

 

So I was wondering if there are any hubbers who have had this procedure done, and could share their post operative recovery and cycling (road and MTB) experiences.

[Rocket-Boy]

Im sure you will be able to cycle but it takes a bit of time to heal up. Your Ophthalmologist would be the best person to ask about it.

 

Im curious to know if its related to Keratoconus? 

I was told that if mine doesnt slow down in the next few years I would be looking at corneal transplants. 

[V12man]

Yesterday just underwent a DALK Cornea Transplant. I haven't yet asked my surgeon (I see him later today) about cycling after the procedure.

 

So I was wondering if there are any hubbers who have had this procedure done, and could share their post operative recovery and cycling (road and MTB) experiences.

Follow your surgeons recovery program and you will be fine riding again once you are cleared for action - won't be long if you have no post procedure complications - my brother in law played world masters squash within 10 days of his procedure.

[Sbloomer]

 

Im curious to know if its related to Keratoconus? 

I was told that if mine doesnt slow down in the next few years I would be looking at corneal transplants. 

 

Yes it's related to keratoconus.  As far as i know it never stabilizes.

 

It's actually the second time I have had it done.  Last time I had both eyes done in 2005/2006.  The one eye started deteriorating again around 2 years ago, such that it could not be optically corrected any more.  The other eye is perfect.

 

I wasn't cycling at the time (hence my question), but things like swimming are out for a few months afterwards.

[Robbie Stewart]

Just curious. Is it wise to look at a flickering light source like a screen so soon post-op? My mom is having one done on the 7th.

[Sbloomer]

Just curious. Is it wise to look at a flickering light source like a screen so soon post-op? My mom is having one done on the 7th.

 

I'm still wearing an eye patch

[Jewbacca]

I'm still wearing an eye patch

Aaaarrrggghh!!

 

Heal well me-hearty!

 

I would wait for the surgeon. They generally tend to know more than anyone, especially as every case will be different due to the persons reaction to the op.

 

Hope it works out ok!

[Rocket-Boy]

Yes it's related to keratoconus.  As far as i know it never stabilizes.

 

It's actually the second time I have had it done.  Last time I had both eyes done in 2005/2006.  The one eye started deteriorating again around 2 years ago, such that it could not be optically corrected any more.  The other eye is perfect.

 

I wasn't cycling at the time (hence my question), but things like swimming are out for a few months afterwards.

I had UV crosslinking done a few years ago, it was painful and expensive!

Supposedly it should slow it down a fair bit but Im getting to the point where hard contacts are the only thing that will give acceptable vision.

I hear you have to use anti-rejection meds when you get the transplant done?

[Sbloomer]

I had UV crosslinking done a few years ago, it was painful and expensive!

Supposedly it should slow it down a fair bit but Im getting to the point where hard contacts are the only thing that will give acceptable vision.

I hear you have to use anti-rejection meds when you get the transplant done?

 

Yes, you need to take corticosteroids to deal with the rejection, but newer technology (Deep Anterior Lameller Keratoplasty), they actually only remove the front of the cornea, not the full thickness.  This greatly reduces the chance of rejection.  But still I am on meds for the next 12 months or so.  They are just eye drops.

 

I could never tolerate hard contacts... awful things

[Sbloomer]

The doc, who is also a keen cyclist says I can get back on the bike as soon as vision has stabilized enough that I feel comfortable.  This should take 3-4 weeks, until I get my peripheral vision back.  I also need to make sure I reduce any sweat going into the eye, and make sure I wear proper eye protection.

[Wayne Potgieter]

I have been for 34 eye operations including three cornea grafts. All failed.

 

Ask your doctor.

 

Do what he/she says.

 

Cycling is secondary to health and good vision.

[arendoog]

I have been for 34 eye operations including three cornea grafts. All failed.

 

Ask your doctor.

 

Do what he/she says.

 

Cycling is secondary to health and good vision.

Just for curiosity .What was the initial diagnosis?

[DJR]

........... I also need to make sure I reduce any sweat going into the eye, and make sure I wear proper eye protection.

Post a picture of how you look riding with your swimming goggles Just kidding. Hope all heals well.

[Wayne Potgieter]

Just for curiosity .What was the initial diagnosis?

Fell into a cactus aas a child and have been dealing with the problems since.

 

Blind in the one eye.

 

Eventually gave up and had everything removed and a prosthetic made. Much better now.

[controlc]

It sounds like we are in the same boat. I had my first two full thickness grafts done in 2000, also related to keratoconus.

The one was redone at the end of last year. 2 months post-op, my opthalmologist gave the go-ahead for running and swimming