Please read this document carefully
Guidance is provided on how to take care of yourself following your procedure.
Common questions are also answered.
Common symptoms
- Mild irritation or scratchiness from the incision
- Blurry vision – for 1-3 months, possibly more
- Halos initially around lights which disappear in time
Do’s and don’ts
DO NOT
- Rub your eyes
- Allow water to enter your operated eye for 48 hours
- Lift anything heavy
DO
- Lie on your back looking at the ceiling as much as possible in the first 24 hours. An air bubble will have been left in your eye to keep your graft in place
- Take your drops regularly
Eye drops
- Keep the eye drops within the Centre for Sight toiletry bag provided.
- Administer the drops as instructed on the table below.
How to use your eye drops
- Wash your hands before and after you apply your drops
- Sit or lie down comfortably with your head tilted backwards looking at the ceiling.
- Gently pull down the lower lid with one finger to form a sac.
- Holding the eye drops in your other hand, bring the dropper close to the eye and squeeze one drop into the sac.
- Close the eye for 5 minutes and blot excess solution with a clean tissue.
Replace the dropper cap immediately after use.
Do not put all drops in at once. Use one drop at a time and close your eyes for 5 minutes by the clock before applying the next drop.
For all drops except artificial tears, you must close your eyes for 5 minutes. This is the only way drops are going to be reliably absorbed into the eye.
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Bedtime | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 times a day |
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Bedtime | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 times a day |
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Bedtime | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 times a day |
Follow-up
You will have been given a follow-up appointment before leaving. It is important that you keep your follow up appointment.
Sticky lashes
If your eyelashes become sticky or have accumulated material, you may clean them by using a cotton bud soaked in warm boiled water. Close one eye and gently and repetitively wipe the lashes with the moist cotton bud away from the eyelid.
Problems
Problems are rare, however in the event you have any of the following:
Redness
Sensitivity to light
Vision loss or reduction
Pain
Please contact Centre for Sight right away on 0800 0112882
Common questions
How soon can I expect to have good vision ?
Vision recovery following DSAEK is more rapid than traditional grafts and usually by 3 months most patients notice a big difference. Some patients take a little longer (up to a year) to recover.
How long should I remain off work ?
Your eye will be uncomfortable for about 2 weeks. As soon as you are comfortable you may return to desk work. For outdoor work, please check with your operating surgeon. It is important to keep out of dus ty environments.
How soon may I drive ?
If your other eye has good vision and meets the standard for driving (ability to see a number plate at 25 meters) you may drive as soon as you are comfortable.
When can I go swimming ?
1 month following surgery.
When can I return to playing sports ?
Light exercise with very little exertion, after 2 weeks. You can go back to normal exercise activities after 1 month.
When can I fly ?
You must check with your operating surgeon. You cannot fly if you have an air bubble in y our eye.
When may I return to activities such as housework, shopping and gardening?
Avoid dusty environments for at least one month following surgery.
When can I use eye make-up again ?
1 month following surgery.
We trust this information is useful and shall welcome any comments you may have.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our helpful staff at the Centre for Sight.
And finally…
ENJOY your vision and
THANK YOU for entrusting us with your care !
The Staff at Centre for Sight