Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplant surgery, also known as corneal grafting, involves replacing damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. This procedure restores functional vision and is recommended when other treatments have been ineffective. The cornea, a transparent layer that protects the eye and aids in vision, can be damaged by various conditions, necessitating a transplant.

• Fuchs’ dystrophy: Causes swelling and thickening of the cornea, leading to blurred vision.
• Keratoconus: Results in a change in the shape of the cornea from dome-shaped to cone-shaped.
• Trauma: Injuries to the eye can cause permanent damage to the cornea, impairing vision.
• Infections: Certain eye infections can damage the cornea and cause vision problems.
• Other conditions: Bullous keratopathy, keratitis, and trichiasis can also necessitate corneal transplant surgery.

• Thorough eye examination and diagnosis are essential before surgery.
• Evaluation of the eye's condition helps determine the need for surgery and potential complications.
• Donor cornea size is determined based on the patient's eye size.
• Patients may need to stop certain medications or treat infections before surgery.
• Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

Most corneal transplant surgeries are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.

• Patients receive sedation and anesthesia to relax and numb the eye.
• Precise cuts are made on the cornea using a trephine, removing the damaged tissue.
• A similarly sized disc of donor cornea is then placed and sutured into position.
• Different types of corneal transplants include full-thickness (penetrating keratoplasty), partial (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty), and endothelial keratoplasty.

• Recovery involves wearing an eye patch and taking prescribed medications to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Patients may experience redness, sensitivity to light, and soreness during recovery.
• Risks include cataracts, infection, glaucoma, rejection of the donor cornea, and problems with stitches.
• Full-thickness transplants require longer healing times compared to partial transplants.
• Most patients experience improved vision, but it may take time to fully recover, and vision may worsen before improving.

• The cost of corneal surgery in India typically ranges from USD 2522 to 3090 (INR 2,00,000 to INR 2,45,000).
• Factors affecting cost include the type of hospital, surgeon fees, location, and additional medical expenses.