Cornea Transplant Surgery

The eye’s cornea is the transparent layer covering the front part of the eye, pupil, iris, and anterior chamber.

The primary function of the cornea is refracting or bending the light that enters the eye. So, if the cornea is exposed to any damage, this will cause vision problems.

A cornea transplant, keratoplasty, or corneal graft, is a surgical procedure that aims to help patients with problems with the cornea restore vision, reduce pain, and improve the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea.

The Keratoplasty procedure replaces the damaged or entire cornea with healthy corneal tissue from a donor.

Remember that a corneal graft procedure requires accuracy, so you should not rush into undergoing this surgery before choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon.

Table Of Contents

I Why Cornea Transplant is done

II keratoplasty surgery risks

III Preparation before Cornea Transplant surgery

IV Testimonials

V During the Cornea Transplant Surgery

VI Recovery after Cornea Transplant Surgery

VII Vision after a keratoplasty

VIII Cornea transplant rejection symptoms

IX Cornea transplant cost

Why Cornea Transplant is done

A healthy cornea is essential for good vision. So, if your cornea is damaged due to eye injury or eye disease, it may become misshapen, scarred, or distort your vision.

A cornea transplant is recommended to treat some problems that can infect the cornea,

include:

Trichiasis

It happens when eyelashes change direction inward and rub the eye’s surface, which may cause scarring or, in some cases, vision loss.

Thinning of the cornea (keratoconus)

It happens when the cornea bulges outward and takes a cone-like shape.

Eye diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy

It occurs when the deepest layer of cells in the cornea undergoes degenerative changes. It may cause your vision to worsen over time gradually.

Corneal scars

The inappropriate use of contact lenses, deep scratches, burns, and some diseases like syphilis or shingles may cause them. These scars can affect your vision and distort it.

Corneal ulcer

It is a severe problem caused by infection, overuse, inappropriate contact lenses, or other reasons. A corneal ulcer may affect your vision and cause blindness.

Corneal edema

or known as cornea swelling, is an inflammation of the external layer of the eye, which causes fluids to build up in the cornea, and the cornea swells. This swelling can cause vision weakness.

Cloudy cornea

It is a loss of transparency in the cornea. It happens for several reasons, like inflammation, infection, or others. Corneal clouding can lead to different amounts of vision loss over time.

In addition to the problems above, a cornea transplant can treat complications caused by previous eye procedures, such as LASIK surgery.

If you suffer from cornea problems, you should meet a qualified ophthalmologist to determine the problem and whether the cornea graft procedure can treat it or not.

A thorough consultation with your eye doctor must be carefully considered before considering a corneal transplant.

Click here to book your free consultation at HayatMed, where you can deal with highly skilled ophthalmologists who ensure you get the appropriate procedure and achieve the desired results.

keratoplasty surgery risks

This process is relatively safe. However, some risks may be associated with this surgery,

including:

Eye infection.
Corneal Swelling.
Rejection of implanted cornea.
Increase the risk of causing a cloudy cornea
Increased pressure inside the eyeball.
Problems with used Stitches.

It is essential to choose an experienced and reputable eye surgeon who can help to minimize the risks and achieve stunning results. With HayatMed, you can be sure you will get the best results from the best specialists.

Preparation before Cornea Transplant surgery

Before the surgery, you will go through the following:

A comprehensive eye exam: Your ophthalmologist will search for conditions that cause problems after surgery.

Eye Measurements: Your ophthalmologist will determine the size of the donor cornea you need.

Some eye problems like infection or inflammation may decrease the chances of a successful cornea transplant surgery. So, your ophthalmologist will treat those problems before the cornea transplant surgery.

Furthermore, your eye doctor will check your medical history by asking questions like your medical problems and medication use. They may ask you to avoid using certain medicines before or after the procedure.

Your ophthalmologist will explain all expectations during and after the procedure, besides explaining the risks of the surgery. You need to discuss your expected results, why you need this process, and how it can help to improve your vision.

At the end of the consultation, you will know whether you are the right candidate for this process. Choose a qualified ophthalmologist to ensure the desired result and avoid medical mistakes.

Contact HayatMed clinic immediately and take advantage of a free consultation with one of the best- ophthalmologists to get all your questions answered and know the right option according to your condition.

Why HayatMed Clinic For Cornea Transplant Surgery

Top Surgeons

Our surgeon is a Professor with a book on ICL surgery and 25 years of experience.

Top Facilities

Our hospital is rated A- by the Turkish Ministry of Health and accredited by JCI representing gold standards in hygiene and quality. We use FDA approved Mentor implants.

Affordable Prices

HayatMed always strives to provide the best services at affordable prices; HayatMed provides all-inclusive packages from operation to hotels and transportation at the best prices.

Testimonials

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This is the second time I have used the medical services of the Hiatmed company in Istanbul and I must point out that I have received a commendation in all aspects. The most advanced medical services, professional and pleasant doctors, the most advanced equipment in the world, service, warranty, personal response, fast, reliable! The people themselves are charming. Highly recommend their services! Everything they promised and said was done exactly

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Such a great experience, they organised everything so well, they didn't let me alone during the process, I ve been really well treated. I came for a rhinoplasty from Spain on my own and the team was there for me during the whole stayment. The hospital is very professional and clean. Everything went right. Thanks to them for helping me and assisting me in everything.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I had a gastric botox injection 7 months ago and till now it was an incredible result, thanks to the doctor and all the team

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
HayatMed Clinic has very professional and friendly staff. I had a lot of doubts about Rhinoplasty operation. They answered all my questions patiently. They took care of everything from beginning to end. Pre-planned an amazing doctor and a hospital, picked me up at the airport, provided me with a variety of hotels to pick from, showed me around the amazing city and many more. My doctor was very caring and competent. He explained to me everything about the operation and medical procedures in detail. Hospital was sparkling clean. Overall, I have been extremely happy with the service I received. I would have given 10 stars if I could!

Get A Free Consultation Now

At HayatMed, be sure that you will get the results you’ve desired, from highly skilled doctors. Furthermore, we offer you an all-inclusive fee package.

Click Here

During the Cornea Transplant Surgery

Before starting the procedure, you’ll be given numbed eye drops and other medication to help you relax so you will not feel any pain.

Your surgeon will start by putting a device to keep your eye open. Although your eye will be open, you will not see anything because of the anesthesia.

Your ophthalmologist will have chosen the appropriate way to transplant the donor cornea according to your needs.

They will remove a circular part of your cornea in some conditions, replace it with a proper portion of the donor cornea, and sew it into place.

While in other conditions, they will remove a tinny layer of cornea cells and replace them with donor tissue, sewing it into place.

Sometimes, they will remove only the damaged inner layer of the cornea and place a thin disc of donor tissue on the back surface of the cornea. Then, the surgeon will put an air bubble in your eye to push the new cell layer into place so the cornea can recover adequately.

After the surgery, your ophthalmologist will tape a shield over your treated eye to keep it safe.

Recovery after Cornea Transplant Surgery

After the process, you will be in the recovery room under observation by the medical crew to ensure everything is going well, and then you can go home safely.

After the surgery, you will experience swelling and mild pain in your eye. Besides antibiotics, eye drops and painkillers can control these complications to avoid infection.

Corneal transplant stitches may or may not need to be removed. It depends on the type of stitches. Your ophthalmologist will give you some tips to ensure complete healing,

including:

Use the eye drops according to the ophthalmologist’s instructions.
Do not press on your eye or rub it.
Wear an eye shield to protect the treated eye.

You may be able to go to work after a few days. First, however, ask your ophthalmologist when you can return to your regular daily routine.

Recovery time after the surgery can take up to a year to heal fully. It depends on your transplant type and how your eye heals.

Vision after a keratoplasty

Your vision should gradually improve a few weeks after the surgery, but it could take up to a year to have a stable sight.

The curve of the implanted corneal tissue can’t fit exactly the curve of your natural cornea. So, your treated eye may be left with a degree of nearsightedness.

Mild refractive faults caused by keratoplasty surgery can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Due to your eyesight will change during the few months after your surgery, it is recommended to wait until your vision becomes stable before you fill an eyeglass prescription.

After your cornea transplant fully recovers, LASIK eye surgery may be recommended to improve your vision without eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Cornea transplant rejection symptoms

The organ rejection problem happens when the immune system considers transplanted tissue as something that shouldn’t be there and destroys it.

Rejection risk reaches 3 out of 10 people who have a cornea transplant.

Here are some implanted cornea rejection symptoms:

Pain in the treated eye.
The treated eye becomes more sensitive to light.
Redness of the treated eye.
Cloudy vision.

If you have any of these complications, tell your ophthalmologist immediately. They will try to stop the rejection by using medications.

Some patients may need more than one corneal graft surgery. The first one could be rejected, or other problems might happen.

However, a repeat procedure has a higher rejection rate than the first surgery.

Cornea transplant cost

The cost of this surgery depends on several factors,

such as:

The type of required transplant procedure.
The surgeon’s experience.
The region of the clinic in which the procedure is performed.
The used medical facility.

When you consider undergoing corneal graft surgery and find the right eye doctor, you will notice significant differences in cost from one place to another.

Many reasons could cause this difference. However, a lower price may not indicate any difference in quality.

Spending enough time choosing the right clinic is essential to ensure you get a high level of care at moderate prices. Istanbul is one of the most intended places to get medical services.

At HayatMed, our integrated team will provide the best services and achieve the desired results for medical services in Istanbul, Turkey.

Read Also: LASIK Eye Surgery Cost

We also offer a fully inclusive fee package so that no hidden fees will be charged. Contact us for more details about the cornea transplant cost or refer to other optic procedures.

About the author

Zeyna Aslan

Zeyna Aslan brings over 13 years of expertise to the HayatMed Clinic Blog. With a passion for healthcare communication, Zeyna has crafted insightful articles that demystify complex medical topics, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Her wealth of experience ensures that each blog post is a reliable source of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of health and medical advancements.

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