The cornea is the clear layer on the front of your eye. The cornea focuses light on the front of your eye so you can see clearly. In case of corneal damage, cornea transplant treatment helps you get your sight back.
Is your cornea damaged by disease, injury, or infection and causing vision loss? While cornea can recover from minor injuries, some conditions will require a medical procedure to treat. Corneal transplant treatment is the common procedure for correcting loss of vision and relieving pain or other symptoms associated with the disease.
A corneal transplant is an operation to remove all or part of the damaged cornea replacing it with healthy donor tissue.
Often referred to as keratoplasty or corneal graft, the procedure improves sight, relieves the patient, and can treat severe infections or damage.
The ideal candidate for corneal transplant treatment includes those showing the following symptoms:
If you experience either of the above symptoms, first talk to the doctor who will let you know the specific procedure for your condition.
The procedure takes less than an hour, and you may leave the hospital the same day or stay overnight, depending on the procedure.
If the procedure involves transplantation of the pouter cornea, the doctor holds the new outer cornea with stitches, which can stay for up to 12 months. However, an endothelial transplant does not require stitches. It is held in place by an air bubble for a few days until it naturally sticks to the deep layer of the cornea.
Like other surgical procedures, corneal transplant treatment has several risks and complications. Some side effects and risks may require emergency treatment, while most will fade away in a few days.
The side effects and risks of corneal transplant complications include:
Corneal graft rejection is an uncommon side effect of a corneal graft. The doctor will advise on the best corneal transplant rejection treatment when this occurs.
The recovery time for a cornea transplant depends on the corneal surgery type. Typically, it can take about 18 months to enjoy the final results of a full-thickness transplant.
Sometimes, the vision may fluctuate between being better or worse before the issue settles. Some patients may require wearing corrective lenses even after the vision returns.
Also, doctors could recommend laser treatment, a minor operation, to correct vision issues after the eyes have healed.
Corneal transplant success rate ranges between 90% after a year and 74% after five years. Typically, the success rate depends on the patient’s surgery and health.
Most people report partial restoration of vision after a corneal transplant. Corneal transplant life expectancy also depends on your health and how well you care for the eyes following the procedure.
Alternative treatment options available for the vision problem include:
During the procedure, the doctor removes a circular piece of the damaged cornea from the center of your eye and replaces it with the donated cornea.
Most corneal transplant surgeries involve transplanting the full thickness of the cornea. However, with modern technology, doctors can perform partial cornea transplants.
The full-thickness transplant or penetrating keratoplasty involves the removal of the circular piece of your damaged cornea, and the new one is replaced and held in place by tiny stitches.
Partial surgery takes longer but comes with a much faster recovery time and a lower risk of complications.
Before the procedure, the doctors may ask you to take ultrasounds, x-rays, electrocardiograms, eye tests, and blood and urine tests to ascertain you are ready for the procedure. Besides, you will provide consent for the surgery.
On the day of the procedure, the doctor will administer a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb the eye and put you to sleep.
The doctor will do surgery on one eye at a time, so the amount of time spent in surgery differs and depends on the patient’s situation.
Once the procedure is complete, the doctor will administer medications which include eyedrops and oral medications to prevent cornea rejections.
After the procedure, you should wear eye shields to protect the eyes during the healing process. To help the new tissue stay in place, lie on your back.
Prepare to take rest after the cornea transplant. Avoid strenuous activities, eye rubbing, or pressing the eye.
The doctor will schedule the follow-up clinics and monitor your progress. In case of complications, contact your doctor.
Procedure |
Corneal Transplant |
Duration |
Less than an hour |
Stay |
2 - 3 nights |
Cost in Turkey |
€12,000 per eye |
Anesthesia |
Local anesthesia |
Recovery |
2 - 3 weeks |
Final Results |
18 months |
Side Effects |
Red eye, light sensitivity or photophobia, vision problems |
Risks |
Glaucoma, Astigmatism, Internal infection |
Success Rate |
90% |
Exercise |
After 3 - 4 months |
Back To Work |
After 2 - 3 weeks |
Scars |
No |
Pain |
No |
Related Procedures |
Bandage contact lenses |
What is the success rate of a corneal transplant?
Corneal transplant success rate ranges between 90% after a year and 74% after five years. Typically, the success rate depends on the patient’s surgery and health.
How long does it take to recover from corneal transplant surgery?
The recovery time for a corneal transplant depends on the type of procedure. Typically, it can take about 18 months to enjoy the final results of a full-thickness transplant.
Does a corneal transplant cure vision?
A corneal transplant can restore vision and improve the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea.
Is corneal transplant surgery painful?
No! the doctor will place you under local anesthesia to be comfortable during the procedure.
Learn more about Corneal Transplant in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.