Preparing for Corneal Transplant Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide

If Ms Menassa has recommended corneal transplant surgery, it is natural to feel a mixture of hope and apprehension. You know your vision needs help, but the prospect of surgery on your eye can feel daunting. This guide is designed to walk you through the practical steps of preparation so that you feel informed, organised, and as calm as possible when the day arrives.

Before Your Surgery Date

Once your surgery is scheduled, you will receive a pre-assessment appointment at the hospital. This involves routine blood tests, an ECG if indicated, and a thorough review of your medications by the nursing team. Bring a complete list of all medications you take, including over-the-counter supplements and herbal remedies. Some blood thinners may need to be paused before surgery—Ms Menassa and the anaesthetic team will advise you specifically, and will liaise with your GP or cardiologist if needed.

You will be prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to start a few days before surgery. These prepare the eye surface, reduce the bacterial load, and minimise infection risk. Use them exactly as directed—it genuinely matters. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and ideally to stay with you for the first night. You will not be able to drive on the day of surgery, and you should plan on not driving for at least two weeks afterwards while your eye heals.

Practical Preparations at Home

Before your surgery date, prepare your home for a comfortable recovery. Stock up on easy meals and essentials so you do not need to go shopping in the first few days. Set up a comfortable area where you can rest on your back, as you will need to maintain a face-up position for several hours after surgery. Have extra pillows available. Fill your prescriptions in advance so your eye drops are ready when you come home.

Lay out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for surgery day—ideally a button-up shirt or cardigan so nothing needs to be pulled over your head afterwards. Pack a small bag with your eye drops, a pair of sunglasses (your eye will be light-sensitive), earphones or a podcast for waiting, and any regular medications you take.

The Evening Before

Eat a normal evening meal and aim for a good night's sleep, though it is perfectly understandable if nerves make this difficult. There is no need to fast overnight for eye surgery performed under local anaesthesia, though if you are having general anaesthesia or sedation, specific fasting instructions will be provided separately. Avoid alcohol the evening before, as it can affect anaesthesia and dehydrate you.

On the Day

Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time. A nurse will check you in, confirm your identity and the eye being operated on, apply dilating drops, and run through a safety checklist. You may wait an hour or more before your surgery slot—this is normal and allows the drops to take full effect. The procedure itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, performed under local anaesthesia with optional sedation for anxious patients.

During surgery, you will be awake but comfortable. You will see coloured lights and shapes but will not be able to see what is happening in detail—the microscope light is bright enough to obscure any alarming visuals. Ms Menassa will talk you through each stage calmly, and the anaesthetic team will be alongside you throughout, monitoring your comfort. Most patients describe the experience as far less unpleasant than they had anticipated.

Immediately After Surgery

An air bubble is placed inside your eye to hold the transplanted tissue in position. You will need to lie face-up for several hours—the bubble rises against the graft, pressing it gently into place. This positioning is critically important and Ms Menassa will give you specific instructions about how long to maintain it, typically ranging from a few hours to overnight depending on the procedure.

The First Few Days at Home

Adhere strictly to your drop regimen—this is the single most important thing you can do for your recovery. Do not rub or press your eye under any circumstances. Sleep on your back if possible, and wear the protective eye shield at night for the first two weeks. Avoid bending over, heavy lifting, straining, or any activity that raises pressure in your eye. Mild aching, watering, and light sensitivity are normal and will settle progressively.

If you experience sudden, severe pain, a significant drop in vision, or new flashing lights, contact Ms Menassa's team immediately—these may indicate a complication that requires prompt attention. Otherwise, recovery from modern endothelial transplantation is measured in weeks rather than months, and most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly their comfort and vision improve. You are not alone in this process—the team is available throughout.