Postoperative Instructions DSAEK

DSAEK Corneal Transplant Discharge Instructions

Keep your eye shield in place at all times, only taking it off to place in eye drops
After surgery until your first postoperative appointment, you should remain fully reclined with your face up, looking toward the ceiling (unless using the restroom, eating a brief meal or in transit). While in transit, try to recline the passenger seat and look up toward the sky.
After your first postoperative appointment you should be reclined for 45 minutes, then upright for 15 minutes; alternating this sequence throughout the day. This is only for the first day after surgery; it is not necessary to practice this positioning beyond the first day after surgery.
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 doctor
No sexual activity for 3 weeks after surgery
No driving until indicated by your doctor
Your return to work date will be determined by your doctor
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.

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 1 month after surgery.
Wear your eye shield (without the pad) for sleep for 1 month 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.
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