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TOPIC:

130-year-old corneas still functional

4
ArgylePerson was signed in when posted
03-03-2003
08:43 PM ET (US)
 Currently I wear SoftPerms which are hard lenses surrounded by a soft lens. When my eyes are rested, I have 20/20 in both eyes. I can't wear any other types and glasses can't correct the vision, and give me headaches in an hour.

My doctors say they can and have done cornea transplants and then lasix on Keratoconus patients. We agree that as long as contacts will solve my problem, I don't get the surgery.

I am realistic that sometime in the future, I will probably have to go under the knife....
3
spazgirlPerson was signed in when posted
03-03-2003
05:11 PM ET (US)
 I had bilateral corneal transplants for keratoconus in the mid '90s, and my surgeon told me that the average lifespan of a corneal graft is about 10 years. I was also told that I would never be able to wear contacts again. I was a bit uncomfortable with that lifespan quote, but I've since learned that post-op keratoconics not only have had their grafts for decades, but that some are even successfully undergoing Lasix surgery to correct post-op astigmatism.

Argyle: The condition can be successfully treated with hard contact lenses to correct for the pointy deformity of the surface of the cornea. Sometimes patients can't tolerate the hard lenses, so they get "piggybacked" onto soft lenses to protect the tender corneal tissue. Keratoconics generally go to surgery after they have failed contact lens treatment.

Interesting point - one of my docs told me that there's a "keratoconus personality" whereby those of us with the disorder are kinda quirky. I looked it up a few years ago, but I think it's time to go refresh my memory on that one.
2
Cory DoctorowPerson was signed in when posted
03-03-2003
01:05 PM ET (US)
 My dad has keratoconus too, and got a corneal transplant to correct it -- successfully -- when I was in high-school. It was pretty amazing how well that improved his quality of life. I understand that keratoconus may be hereditary, so I'm keeping an eye out.
1
ArgylePerson was signed in when posted
03-03-2003
01:03 PM ET (US)
 I have the same condition, keratoconus, and have been told that transplant is the only treatment for the condition. I hope my eyes don't get so bad I need the surgery, but it's good to know that they can last a good long while. Of course, I would prefer Tleilax eyes, but I fear the price would be too dear.
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