Most patients seeking corneal transplants in Turkey want to save costs, find highly skilled ophthalmologists, and reduce waiting time. Seeking cornea transplant treatment in non-private hospitals will likely place you on a waiting list. And during this period, your eyesight may worsen.
A cornea transplant is complex; finding an effective treatment from a skilled overseas surgeon than a local doctor with less experience should be your priority.
The Procedure Is More Affordable Abroad
The cost of health care in the US, UK, and Australia has been rising for the past few years. Medical procedures cost 40% - 50% less abroad.
You Can Access More Treatment Options
Traveling abroad for treatment will open other possibilities or introduce a better, more effective treatment.
Highly Skilled And Experienced Surgeons
The surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. Their clinics are accredited by renowned institutions like Joint Commission International JCI or International Organization for Standardization ISO.
Treatment That's Worth Your Money
Finding a specialist abroad will be more cost-effective than visiting an amateur doctor in your local country.
You Get Access To Superior Patient Care Services
Most doctors usually see their patients once a month. So, an average doctor spends fewer than seven minutes with a patient. Ultimately, this means that patients don't experience good patient care services from their doctors.
On the other hand, if you travel abroad to receive treatment, you can expect to be treated with care and respect when you go for treatment abroad. The surgeons in these reputable hospitals take the time to talk to patients.
It Is Safe To Have The Procedure Abroad
You will find the surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. Their clinics are accredited by renowned institutions like Joint Commission International JCI or International Organization for Standardization ISO.
Corneal Transplant in Turkey Cost €12000 per eye. But, some factors increase the treatment price, like the location of the clinics, the surgeon's experience, the technique used, and the type of treatment.
The ideal candidate for corneal transplant treatment includes those showing the following symptoms:
Cornea scarring because of an injury or an infection
Cornea ulcers or sores from an infection
Keratoconus; is a medical condition that makes the cornea bulge out
thinning, clouding, or swelling of the cornea
inherited eye problems such as Fuchs' dystrophy
Damage caused by earlier eye operation
Check the local regulation: Knowing how the treatment is regulated in your chosen country is essential. It will help you identify reputable clinics registered with the governing body or national association. It will also tell you about your rights.
Prepare a list of questions for your doctor: prepare a list of questions to ensure you receive quality treatment. Common questions to ask - do they provide a translator? Do they have patients' testimonials? Is the clinic registered with the national association?
Trust your instincts: This personal element should not be underestimated since the treatment can be traumatic for many people. Mainly when undertaken in a foreign country and in unfamiliar surroundings. You should trust your instincts as much as the raw data. If a clinic feels wrong, then walk away.
Have a clear expectation of the results: understand the necessary procedure plan.
Choose a surgeon registered with an international governing body like the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Or any other reputable international board.
Verify the surgeon's experience. Ask about the surgeon's education, additional fellowship training, and how often they performed the treatment.
Schedule an online consultation. Most clinics or hospitals that work with international patients offer this service.
Once you decide on a clinic, we will plan and arrange an all-inclusive treatment package in Turkey that suit your personal preference. To ensure you get the best surgeon in Turkey.
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.
Alternative treatment options available for the vision problem include:
The recovery time for a corneal transplant depends on types of corneal transplants. Typically, it can take about 18 months to experience the final results of a full-thickness transplant.
Sometimes, the vision may fluctuate before it improves. Some patients may require wearing corrective lenses even after the vision returns.
During the procedure, the doctor removes a circular piece of the damaged cornea from the center of your eye and replaces it with a healthy cornea.
Most cornea transplant surgeries involve transplanting the full thickness of the cornea. But, with modern technology, doctors can perform partial corneal 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.
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.
Some of the possible complications you can develop after a cornea transplant in Turkey include:
Most patients report a high satisfaction rate, and cornea transplant surgery in Turkey has a success rate of 70% - 90%.
Stop Aspirin and other medications that might contain blood thinners weeks before the procedure.
Do not smoke tobacco at least two weeks before the procedure.
Use the antibiotic drops before the procedure to prevent an infection.
Avoid alcohol and other drugs that might affect anesthesia.
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 |
Many patients like to travel to medical tourism hubs and believe they provide the best healthcare. Also, geographical location plays a role. Turkey and Hungary have gained a reputation as top destinations for medical treatment.
The vast number of patients who travel to these destinations adds value to their experience and understanding of international patients' expectations.
One of the significant benefits of having treatment in Turkey is avoiding waiting time. In some countries like the UK and USA, there is a waiting time for a specific procedure, which can take months. But in medical tourism countries, it is reduced drastically. In some cases, with no waiting time.
A cornea transplant can last a lifetime, but there is a possibility you will need to replace the cornea if there is cornea transplant rejection.
The procedure takes less than an hour, and you may leave the hospital the same day or stay overnight, depending on the procedure.
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.
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.
A corneal transplant can restore vision and improve the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea.
No. The doctor will place you under local anesthesia to be comfortable during the procedure.