The cornea, the transparent, dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye, plays a critical role in the way we see through our eyes. If it is damaged by any disease, injury, or other causes, it can have a major impact on your vision. Thankfully, with advanced technology and the latest developments in medical science, corneal transplant surgery (also referred to as keratoplasty) provides hope for individuals with corneal damage.
We at Tandon Eye Hospital are experts delivering holistic treatment to patients who require a corneal transplant, blending competence, state-of-the-art equipment, and human touch. Through this blog, we will take you through the surgery, healing process, and success rate of corneal transplant surgery in India.
What is Corneal Transplant Surgery?
Corneal transplant is surgery to replace a diseased or injured cornea with donated healthy tissue from a donor. Corneal transplant can improve vision, reduce pain, and enhance the look of the eye, particularly if the cornea is scarred or cloudy.
Who Needs a Corneal Transplant?
Corneal transplants are required for a number of conditions, including:
- Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea thins out and protrudes, impairing vision.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A hereditary condition resulting in corneal edema and blurred vision.
- Corneal Scarring: Scarring due to trauma, infection, or prior surgery can cause impaired vision.
- Corneal Ulcers: Chronic infections that destroy the corneal tissue.
- Chemical Burns and Trauma: Extensive injury to the cornea that results in vision impairment.
Types of Corneal Transplants
Depending on the degree and nature of damage, various forms of corneal transplants can be employed:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): This is done by replacing the entire thickness of the cornea. It is generally employed for extreme cases of damage.
- Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK): Only the most inner layer of the cornea is replaced, which results in quicker recovery. There are two forms of this surgery:
- Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)
- Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
- Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK): This involves the replacement of only the outer corneal layers, with the innermost layer remaining intact. It is only appropriate for conditions that involve the removal of the front of the cornea.
- Artificial Cornea Transplant: Synthetic corneal implants can be used if donor corneas are not available or are not suitable.
The Corneal Transplant Procedure: What to Expect
Before surgery, we make sure that you receive a comprehensive eye evaluation to assess your suitability. Your medical history will also be considered, and you’ll be matched appropriately with compatible donor tissue through our network of eye banks.
The Surgical Steps:
- The surgery is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, so you’ll be comfortable and pain-free.
- The injured cornea is excised with care, and the donor tissue is shaped and sewn into position.
- The surgery typically lasts around 1-2 hours, and the recovery process starts immediately.
Recovery After a Corneal Transplant
After the surgery, there may be some mild discomfort, blurred vision, or light sensitivity, and that is totally normal. The amount of time it takes for you to fully recover depends on the type of transplant that you had. In most cases, our eyes start to improve within the first few months after the surgery, but it can take up to a year for you to reach your end result.
Post-Surgery Care:
- Follow-up Appointments: Please come to all the follow-up appointments to learn how the swelling and bruising are doing and to get right assistance and care if there are any complications and keep them under control.
- Stitch removal: Your stitches will be removed in stages starting a few months after surgery.
- Vision Restoration: Full recovery of vision can take up to a year, but most people recover their vision before that.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like every other surgery, corneal transplants have some risks, but complications are very rare (thanks to advances in modern techniques).
- Rejection: Your body can reject the cornea of the suitable donor, but with proper medication, the changes are less likely.
- Infection: There is a slight chance of infection after the surgery. That’s why follow-up care is very important.
- Astigmatism. The cornea might heal in an elongated shape, which causes blurred vision.
- Glaucoma/cataracts: You may get high pressure inside your eye longer or develop cataracts in the long run, but they’re treatable.
An early diagnosis and treatment of any problem ensure a smooth recovery.
Success Rates of Corneal Transplant Surgery in India
Corneal transplant surgery success rate in India is pretty high due to the advanced technology used, the skilled surgeons, and also with proper aftercare. In general, the success rate of such operations is between 85% and 90% based on the particular case and the patient’s compliance with the post-operative instructions.
Advanced procedures (such as Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) and Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)) generally have even higher success rates since they’re more minimally invasive and so have a faster recovery time and fewer complications.
Why Choose India for Corneal Transplant Surgery?
India is the most desirable country for cornea transplantation. And for a good reason. We have world-class medical infrastructure in all our hospitals, and we use state-of-the-art equipment and comply with international standards of care.
We also have exceptional Ophthalmologists and finest corneal surgeons in the world.
Due to the affordability, India is known for its medical tourism and is known for its high-quality treatment at affordable prices, and is one of the best countries to get corneal transplant surgery. It is also considerably cheaper than in many Western countries with no loss in quality.
Also, thanks to the large network of eye banks in India,, there is an absolute supply of donor corneas.
Why Choose Tandon Eye Hospital?
At Tandon Eye Hospital, we understand how crucial your vision is. That’s why we’re committed to offering the best care for corneal transplant surgery. Our team of expert ophthalmologists, combined with the latest in medical technology, ensures that you’ll receive the highest quality care every step of the way.
With locations in prominent areas, Tandon Eye Hospital provides convenient access to world-class eye care. Whether you’re seeking pre-surgery assessments or post-surgery care, we’re here to guide you through your journey to clearer, healthier vision.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Tandon Eye Hospital today. Let us help you see a brighter future.
