When can I exercise after a corneal transplant?

An Academy Ask an Ophthalmologist answer to a patient two months out from a corneal transplant advised avoiding any rigorous physical activity for at least six weeks after surgery, and warned that if the sutures break and the corneal wound opens there is a high chance of infection and other serious problems. That answer also noted that only the surgeon who is watching your wound can say when push ups, crunches, and squats are safe for you.

Endothelial transplants are different. The Cornea Research Foundation of America says newer corneal transplant techniques heal faster, need fewer activity restrictions, and reduce the risk of later injury to the eye. Many DMEK and DSAEK patients are cleared for normal activity much sooner than PK patients, but early on there is still the bubble and the graft attachment to protect.

The Academy's general advice for eye surgery is to always ask your ophthalmologist before resuming any form of exercise. A reasonable pattern is easy walking early if your surgeon allows it, then building back up, with anything involving straining, head down positions, or contact left until you are specifically cleared.