Cataracts and Corneal Transplant

I probably don't have enough information for a simple answer but my father, 84 yrs, had cataract surgery in August of 09.  He was then placed on a waiting list for a corneal transplant, which hasn't happened yet (6 monthes).  His vision in that eye is blurred ever since the cataract surgery but wasn't before.  His doctor says this blurred vision will disappear after the corneal transplant.  He is Type 2 Diabetic.  He is experiencing headaches from strain on his other eye and has increased disappointment and panic over the situation.  He is thinking that the cataract surgery was unsuccessful and the corneal transplant won't work because of the cataract problem.  His family doctor and opthamologist (not the one doing the corneal transplant, the one that did the cataract), won't really give him any information and I don't know how to appease him.  Should he be seeing someone else, insisting on another appt with either opthamologist, or does it sound logical to wait it out??  Not sure how serious this may be or does it sound normal?  thank you

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Get a second opinion.  The need for a corneal transplant after cataract surgery is extremely rare.  Either there was a complication at surgery or a corneal problem was missed in the preop evaluation.  Also, it is very likely he needs only a partial corneal transplant, i.e, DSEAK.

Dr. O>