A corneal transplant is a major eye surgery that replaces a damaged, infected, or irregular cornea with a healthy transplant from an organ donor. This procedure requires strict adherence to after care instructions for the best possible outcomes. These instructions will include how to sleep after the corneal transplant. In most corneal transplant procedures, there will be an air bubble placed in the eye behind the cornea that was transplanted to keep the transplant in place. If this is the case, you will be instructed to lie flat on your back and sleep on your back. You will also be given a protective eye shield to help prevent injury to the eye during sleep. Depending on the surgery, it may be required to have specific sleeping postures for up to two or three weeks after the corneal transplant.
Why Would a Corneal Transplant be Needed?
A corneal transplant is considered only when all other options have been exhausted or ruled out.
Often, chronic or progressive eye conditions such as keratoconus will slowly damage the cornea until a corneal transplant is required to remedy the condition.
It may also be due to a more acute condition such as a severe injury to the cornea which did irreparable damage.
If there are no other options to provide clear vision, comfort for the eye, or protection for the internal structures of the eye, a corneal transplant may be required.
Types of Corneal Transplants
There are multiple types of corneal transplants, the most common being a partial corneal transplant.
A partial corneal transplant will almost always require an air bubble to keep the transplant cornea adhered to the original cornea that remains.
A full thickness corneal transplant, or penetrating keratoplasty, is less commonly performed due to the worse prognosis for recovery. However, if this is required, many times an air bubble will still be placed to hold the position.
Concerns with Sleeping after a Corneal Transplant
Like any surgery, there are restrictions and warnings for the recovery period after a corneal transplant.
One of the most important aspects of the recovery is to ensure that the corneal transplant does not become dislodged or misaligned.
During sleep, the head posture can vary greatly and can apply force on the cornea, and the corneal transplant.
It is also possible to have the transplant or surgical incision damaged from mild trauma – such as rubbing the eye during sleep.
Restrictions for How Do You Sleep After a Corneal Transplant?
Most of the time, the biggest restriction following a corneal transplant is requiring sleeping on your back and often remaining on your back for a majority of the days immediately following surgery.
The head can be very slightly elevated, but should not be tilted in any direction compared to the rest of the body.
A protective eye shield will also need to be worn over the eye during sleep until the eye has healed and is able to withstand minor force during sleep.
You should consult with your surgeon about the specific restrictions and requirements following your corneal transplant.
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