Vision is one of the most precious gifts we have; the ability to see faces, colors, and the beauty of the world around us. But for millions of people worldwide, corneal diseases can cloud or block that gift entirely. A Cornea Transplant, also known as Keratoplasty, offers hope to those who have lost their vision due to corneal damage or disease.
The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. It acts like a window, focusing light so you can see clearly. When it becomes scarred, swollen, or irregular due to disease or injury, vision becomes blurred or even lost. In a corneal transplant, the damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy one from a donor, restoring vision and quality of life.
In recent years, India has become a global hub for affordable and high-quality cornea transplantation, attracting patients from across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. With expert ophthalmologists, advanced technology, and world-class eye banks, India provides the same surgical precision as the U.S. or Europe but at a fraction of the cost, ranging between USD 1,800 and 2,200.
About Cornea Transplant (Keratoplasty)
A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. It restores clear vision, reduces pain, and improves the eye’s appearance when the cornea becomes white or scarred.
Corneal transplantation can be performed for several reasons, such as injury, infection, or degenerative diseases. The surgery is one of the most successful transplant procedures in medicine, with a success rate of over 90% in experienced centers.
Anatomy of the Cornea
The cornea consists of five delicate layers, each playing a specific role in maintaining clear vision:
- Epithelium: The outermost layer protects the eye from dust and germs.
- Bowman’s Layer: Provides structural support to the epithelium.
- Stroma: The thickest layer that maintains the cornea’s shape and clarity.
- Descemet’s Membrane: Acts as a thin, strong barrier.
- Endothelium: The innermost layer responsible for keeping the cornea clear by pumping out excess fluid.
When any of these layers are damaged, due to infection, injury, or disease, vision is significantly affected. Corneal transplant surgery helps replace the damaged layer(s) to restore clarity.
Who Needs a Cornea Transplant?
A cornea transplant is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments like medication, laser therapy, or contact lenses cannot restore vision.
Common Indications:
- Keratoconus: Thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape.
- Corneal Scarring: From infections (like herpes or trachoma), injuries, or burns.
- Corneal Dystrophies: Inherited conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy.
- Post-LASIK Ectasia: Complication of laser vision correction surgery.
- Swelling (Edema): Often after cataract surgery.
- Chemical or Traumatic Injury: Damage that leaves the cornea opaque.
Patients with severe vision loss, pain, or recurrent infections despite medical therapy are ideal candidates.
What are the Types of Cornea Transplant Procedures?
Corneal transplants are no longer a “one-size-fits-all” procedure. Depending on the extent and layer of corneal damage, surgeons select the most suitable type of transplant.
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Modern Shift Toward Layered Techniques
Procedures like DSEK and DMEK are now preferred because they offer:
- Faster healing
- Less risk of rejection
- Stronger structural integrity
- Better long-term vision outcomes
