Recovery after corneal transplant varies with the type of graft and each person healing. Understanding the usual patterns helps you plan work driving and daily life.
Types of corneal transplant
Full thickness grafts replace all layers of the cornea and are often called penetrating keratoplasty. Partial thickness grafts such as DMEK and DSAEK only replace the back layer which is the endothelium.
Because less tissue is disturbed partial grafts usually heal faster. All types need careful drop regimens and long term monitoring.
Typical recovery patterns
Vision after penetrating keratoplasty can stay blurry for several months. Stitches are usually removed gradually which also changes the prescription.
- Return to light tasks often within two to four weeks
- Clearer vision developing over many months
- Long term use of steroid drops to prevent rejection
- Ne
