At Westmead Eyes we are experienced in the fitting of post graft contact lenses.
In a corneal transplant, the diseased area of cornea is removed from the patient’s eye, and replaced with one from a donor cornea. There are many types of corneal transplants procedures performed. The type of transplant required is based on each patient’s ocular condition and current disease state.
Many patients think that a corneal graft is the end solution that will fix their eyes. Rejection of the graft is not uncommon, especially in patients who have had injuries, infections, or previous operations on the eye. The risk of rejection is to be assessed for each particular case. Should rejection occur, vision is usually poor and replacing the graft needs to be considered.
Corneal grafts are rarely lifelong, and 50% of grafts fail within the first 15 years. The longer you can have no problems with your first graft, the better. Replacement grafts do not do as well as the first graft in the long term. It is best to avoid corneal graft rejection.
Why are contact lenses needed after a corneal grafts or corneal transplant?
After certain corneal transplants, the front surface of the eye becomes irregular in shape. Astigmatism is very common, and this irregularity can also change if there are stitches left within the cornea. The irregular cornea can cause distorted vision, even with the best glasses. Specialty contact lenses such as custom soft lenses, hybrid lenses, gas permeable lenses, or scleral lenses can significantly improve vision.
Post Graft Contact Lens Fitting
Our optometrists are experienced in contact lens fitting for corneal transplant patients (post graft contact lenses). Our equipment will evaluate your specific ocular shape, and recommendations will be tailored to each of your eyes.
To arrange an appointment for post graft contact lens fitting please contact us. A referral is not required.