Is there any danger to the cornea transplants from the pepper spray?
AUG 18, 2015
Question:
Both of my eyes have had DSAEK corneal transplants and I am a security officer. If I get trained to carry pepper spray, I have to be sprayed with it. Is there any danger to the cornea transplants from the pepper spray?
Answer:
Pepper spray should not damage your DSAEK corneal transplants because the transplanted tissue is on the inside of the eye and therefore protected from chemicals that may irritate the surface of the eye. Pepper spray may, however, make your vision blurry if the corneal surface gets damaged but it should return to normal after a few days. However you should check with your surgeon to be sure it is okay before you get sprayed. You should also avoid being sprayed with an alcohol based spray which is very irritating to the cornea.