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What is Cornea Transplant?
A cornea transplant, also called keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged, scarred, or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that plays a crucial role in focusing vision. When it becomes cloudy or irregular due to disease, infection, or trauma, it can lead to blurred vision, discomfort, or even vision loss. Cornea transplantation helps restore clarity, reduce pain, and improve overall visual function.
What is Keratoconus?
Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition in which the normally round cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone-like shape. This irregular shape distorts light as it enters the eye, leading to blurred or distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light, and difficulty with night driving.
In early stages, glasses or soft contact lenses may help. But as keratoconus progresses, more advanced treatment is needed.
Treatment of Keratoconus
After stabilisation, various specialised lenses like Rose-K lenses, scleral lenses, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are used for visual rehabilitation. These custom-designed lenses help correct the irregular shape of the cornea and significantly improve vision.
To halt the progression of keratoconus, a procedure called Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking with Riboflavin (C3R) is commonly performed. This minimally invasive treatment strengthens the corneal tissue, stabilizes its shape, and prevents further thinning or bulging.
In severe or advanced cases where lenses no longer provide adequate vision, a cornea transplant may be necessary to restore optical clarity and function.
If this doesn’t work or the disease is too advanced, then DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty), a type of partial-thickness corneal transplant, becomes the next treatment option.
Types of Cornea Transplantation
The type of transplant depends on the layer and extent of damage:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): Full-thickness corneal transplant used for advanced damage.
- DSEK / DSAEK: Partial-thickness transplant replacing the inner corneal layer, commonly for Fuchs’ dystrophy.
- DMEK: A more precise, thinner graft technique for faster recovery and improved visual outcomes.
- ALK (Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty): Used when only the front corneal layers are affected.
How Do I Know If I Need a Cornea Transplant?
You may need a transplant if you experience:
- Vision loss due to scarring or cloudiness
- Advanced keratoconus or Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
- Corneal swelling or ulcers
- Damage from trauma or failed previous transplant
A comprehensive eye exam and corneal imaging will determine suitability.
Procedure of Cornea Transplant
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia. The surgeon removes the damaged corneal tissue and replaces it with healthy donor tissue using microscopic precision. The technique used depends on your diagnosis and the layers affected.
Recovery After Cornea Transplant
Recovery varies with the type of transplant. Most patients notice improvement in a few weeks, though complete visual recovery may take several months. Regular use of eye drops, protective eyewear, and follow-up visits are key to successful healing.
Regain clarity, comfort, and confidence in your vision.
Our cornea services offer expert diagnosis, personalized care, and advanced surgical options tailored to your needs.
How Eyeheal Helps?
At Eyeheal, we combine advanced technology with expert surgical skill to offer safe and effective cornea transplant procedures. From precise diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to compassionate post-op care, our team ensures you receive the best possible outcome, with clarity, comfort, and confidence at every step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
How Much Does a Cornea Transplant Cost in India?
The cost typically ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the type of transplant, hospital, and surgeon’s expertise. It may vary further based on diagnostic tests and post-op care.
Can a Cornea Transplant Restore Full Vision?
A transplant can significantly improve vision, especially if the rest of the eye is healthy. However, full 6/6 vision isn’t guaranteed and may require glasses or lenses afterward.
Is Cornea Transplant Painful?
The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort or irritation may occur during the initial recovery phase.
How Long Does a Transplanted Cornea Last?
A successful corneal graft can last 10 years or more. With proper care and regular follow-ups, many patients retain good vision for decades.
What are the early signs of Keratoconus?
Blurred or distorted vision, frequent changes in glasses prescription, glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing at night are some common early signs. It often starts during adolescence and can progress over time.
Is Keratoconus curable?
Yes, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery uses advanced laser technology for greater precision and a bladeless, gentle experience.
Is C3R a painful procedure?
No, C3R is generally painless. It is done under topical anesthesia (numbing eye drops). You may experience mild discomfort, irritation, or light sensitivity for a few days afterward.