Diane – corneal recipient, QLD
When I was in high school, I told my mother that I was having trouble seeing the blackboard. A visit to the optometrist found that I had a condition called keratoconus, and I was prescribed glasses.
At 21 I saw an ophthalmologist, who suggested that I start wearing hard contact lenses. The theory then was that hard contact lenses would help slow the disease’s progression. When the lenses were initially fitted, I had to wear them for a couple of hours. I still remember how excited I was to see advertising signs so clearly!
Wearing hard contact lenses is not the same as wearing glasses every day, and there are many challenges. Ophthalmologist and optometrist appointments became part of my life and continue to this day. I remember looking at the eye chart in the early days and being asked, ‘What can you see?’ My response used to be, ‘I know there is probably a capital letter at the top of the chart, but I can’t see it.’
After using contact lenses for 40 years, I lost vision and comfort, so it was time for my first corneal transplant.
I had seen a GP and told her I was worried about the surgery. Her response was, ‘I don’t know why you’re worrying about it – it’s not like you’ll die if you don’t have it.’ She didn’t understand the emotions involved in receiving such a gift: the gift of sight.
As I was waiting to go into surgery I spoke to the anaesthetist, who did understand. I thought about the deceased cornea donor, and I thought about their family who agreed to donation. I can’t begin to imagine the emotions involved with organ donation.
Less than 2 years later, I received a second transplant. I could now see the leaves on trees! My family was amused, as I now felt the need to sweep the floor or wipe down kitchen benches. And how did I suddenly get so many wrinkles on my face?
I had a third corneal transplant 15 years after my first, and all 3 of these corneal transplants have been life-changing for me.
Improved vision doesn’t happen immediately after a corneal transplant. There are stitches in the eye for a year, with one row of stitches removed after 3 months, and the rest 9 months later.
From a very young age, I always wanted to learn to play the piano – so I finally found a wonderful teacher. Then, it was time to further my education. My degree took 5 years to complete. But my biggest joy is the ability to see my 2 grandchildren. I could never have done these things without my corneal transplants.
I want to thank my ophthalmologist for their care and expertise. Most importantly, I want to give my sincere thanks to the people who registered to donate their corneas, and to their families who gave permission for donation to go ahead when asked.
