I meant retina, cornea and glaucoma - because it sounds like you've had some major pressure problems as well. As far as artificial corneas - I'm not an expert - but might expect only 20/200 or 22/400 type vision with that. Very, very rarely used - hopefully not something you will ever have to consider.
MJK MD
I am sorry I must have been confusing. I am not seeing separate retina, glaucoma and retinal specialists. I am seeing one retina specialist. My original eye doctor sent me to a retinal specialist because he didnt know what he was doing (words of the retinal specialist and my corrnea specialist, they both said he should have referred along time before he did).
But ... I appreciate the response. The first transplant was due to rejection and vascular growth on the cornea.
Maybe the second time is the charm with some anti rejection drops and some alrex to keep the vessels at bay. Thats what we are hoping for anyway. Thanks again.
No one from St Louis to Georgia to Kentucky will do an artificial transplant without having tried a human transplant twice. My surgeon said they are progressing but not perfected. He said he has a colleage in Atlanta that has some success with the artificial. What have you seen regarding some of the different artificial transplants?
I'm sure your surgeon will try to do everything possibe to improve your chances for a successful corneal transplant. Since I don't know why your first transplant failed, I can't give you too much specific information. Unfortunately, as a general rule your chances of success don't necessarily get better the second time. Your case sounds very complex since you seem to be seeing separate retina, glaucoma and retinal specialists. If you're not already, you may want to consider a second opinion at a major ophthalmology teaching hospital in your region. No one wants you to have a bad result - somes cases are just much more complex and difficult. I wish you well.
Michael Kutryb, MD