Postoperative Instructions: Corneal Transplant

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) Discharge Instructions

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 your eye surgeon
No sexual activity for 3 weeks after surgery
No driving until indicated by your eye surgeon
Your return to work date will be determined by your eye surgeon
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.
Continue with your regular eye drops

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) while sleeping 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, wear sunglasses as needed for comfort.
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