Otherwise, normal activity can be resumed within a few days. Because the cornea has no blood supply, the transplant heals relatively slowly. Sutures are left in place for three months to one year, and in some cases they are left in permanently. The sutures are buried and therefore do not cause discomfort. Suture adjustment and removal are simple, painless office procedures.
Vision gradually improves as the new cornea heals.
There is often useful vision within a few weeks. However, in some cases it may take several months to a year for full vision to develop. To prevent rejection of the new cornea, steroid drops are placed in the eye for several months after surgery. In some cases, low dosage steroid drops are continued indefinitely. Unlike oral steroids, steroid eye drops cause no side effects elsewhere in the body.