How much weight can I lift after my surgery?

You should not bend or lift more than five pounds for two weeks after your surgery.
It is important to not lift or push any weight that requires effort, for two months after your surgery. Doing so raises the pressure in your eye and may cause bleeding or stress on the wound. At your postoperative examinations, we discuss the appropriate time for resuming normal daily activities.

When can I go back to work?

You should expect to be out of work for one week after your surgery. If you work in a dusty, dirty environment, or your job requires lifting, you may need a longer absence. Your physician will determine the right time for you to return to work

Can I exercise?

As mentioned before, you do not want to lift or push any weight that requires effort, for two month after your surgery. We suggest walking at an easy pace. Swimming should be resumed only on advisement from your physician, usually two months after surgery. Dirty water carries germs, which could infect your cornea.

How often will I need to be seen?

Most people will need to be seen the day after their surgery, one-week after surgery, and one-month after their surgery. At the one-month postoperative visit, your physician usually begins suture adjustments. These adjustments give your cornea a more regular shape and continue for up to six months or more. Once the adjustments are complete, a prescription for glasses can be given.

When will the sutures be removed?

Some sutures may need to be taken out as early as one month after surgery. The majority of sutures will often be left in place for two to six years. They will be removed if they break, or cause other surface irritation that your physician feels may necessitate their removal.

How long do I use eye drops?

You will most likely be taking Pred Forte and Ocuflox four-times a day in the operated eye, starting one day after surgery. Your physician will instruct you to taper your medication over the following months. You can expect to be on at least one drop of Pred Forte daily for more than a year, and often for the rest of your life to decrease the chance of graft rejection. Keeping the surface of your new cornea well lubricated is advantageous to the healing process. Celluvisc is an excellent lubricating drop that can be obtained without a prescription. Your physician may ask you to use this drop hourly during the day.