I asked Dr. Koffler what care I needed to take related to my graft and the Shingrix shot.  They suggested that Tobradex – same as I use for Influenza vaccines – would be fine and would cover both.

If you’re a corneal transplant recipient who gets flu shots, you may want to ask your corneal surgeon if you should use Tobradex (or equivalent) to avoid potential rejection due to the flu vaccine.  My particular instructions involve taking some drops a few day before my flu shot, and then for several times per day for a month afterward.  My doctor also recommended that I continue with Restasis as it provides some measure of rejection prevention.

This is done in an abundance of caution, I think.  But it’s worth a quick call to see if it might reduce your own chances for rejection.

Well, today was a routine checkup.  Topography, pressure check, eye test.  Pretty much the same as the last time.  Dr. Holland removed two sutures as we continue “suture roulette.”   The graft looks great, and we’re right “on track.”

I did learn a couple of things today:

• Peak rejection time is 8 months out from surgery.   This is for PK or DALK.  I thought it would be earlier.  This means that I must be extra diligent for RSVP symptoms between now and early next year.
• The first sign of rejection will be redness and light sensitivity, not pain.   You should never wait for the pain if redness and pain are present.
• When Restasis is part of your post-op drops routine, you should usually use it last.   So, for me, it’s Steroids, Pressure Med, then Restasis.
• He suggested that I might go ahead and use Restasis in my right eye if allergies get bad again.  I think I’m through the worst of Fall allergies, however.