Corneal Transplant Discharge Instructions Boston Keratoprosthesis

Activity

• You may bathe the day after surgery
• You may take a shower and wash your hair 4 days after surgery wearing the eye shield
• No bending below the waist, use your knees instead for 3 weeks after surgery
• No heavy lifting for 3 weeks after surgery
• No cutting the lawn or gardening until determined by Dr. McCormick
• No sexual activity for 3 weeks after surgery
• No driving until indicated by Dr. McCormick
• Your return to work date will be determined by Dr. McCormick
• If you have any discomfort after surgery, you may take Tylenol or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen)
• If you were instructed to stop taking Aspirin, Coumadin or other blood thinners before surgery, you may resume taking these medications the day after surgery

Wound Care

• A contact lens is in place to protect the artificial cornea permanently.  You do not need to remove the contact lens yourself; it will be cleaned or replaced periodically at your follow-up visits.  If it falls out when you are at home, you should call our office so that it can be replaced. 
• Wash your hands before touching your eye
• Do not rub or press on your eye
• Use a fresh facial tissue for your eye each time. Gently blot any tears. Never use the same tissue for your nose and eye.
• Moisten a cotton ball with Saline solution to gently remove any crusting on your lashes
• Do not irrigate your eye
• Wear your glasses or eye shield (without the pad) while awake for 3 months after surgery for protection
• Wear your eye shield (without the pad) for sleep for 3 months after surgery for your protection
• Wear your eye shield (without the pad) when taking a shower or washing your hair for 1 month after surgery for your protection
• Your eye will be sensitive to light and glare, you can wear your sunglasses
• Rest both eyes for 10 seconds every 5 minutes for the first week after surgery
• Limit your time reading, working on the computer and riding in an automobile