Corneal Transplant Surgery
Introduction
Surgeons perform a corneal transplant, also called keratoplasty, to replace eroded and infected corneal tissue with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped surface on the front of the eye, and injury to the cornea can significantly impair vision. Cornea transplantations restore sight, reduce pain and improve the cornea as well.
What is Corneal Transplant Surgery?
Corneal transplant operation involves removal of the affected cornea and substitution with healthy donor corneal tissue. This procedure restores corneal transparency, allowing light to pass through the cornea to focus on the retina and therefore improve vision.
Why is Corneal Transplant Needed?
Corneal replacement is indicated for diseases of the cornea such as:
- Keratoconus: A condition causing thinning and bulging of the cornea.
- Corneal Scarring: Due to infections, injuries, or previous surgeries.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A disorder that leads to corneal swelling and clouding.
- Corneal Ulcers: Severe infections causing tissue damage.
- Chemical Burns: Injuries leading to corneal opacity.
Types of Corneal Transplant Procedures
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): Total transplantation with replacement of the whole cornea.
- DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty): Replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea.
- DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty): A modified DSEK design featuring replaced thinner layers with improved recovery.
- Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (SALK): Substitutes the corneal anterior layers but does not damage the cornea inner layer.
- Keratoprosthesis (KPro): An artificial cornea substitute is implanted in situations when a donor graft is inappropriate.
Procedure Steps
- Pre-Surgery Assessment: Doctors perform eye testing and imaging to determine the required stage of the transplant.
- Anesthesia: Local/general anesthesia is used to maintain comfort.
- Damaged Cornea Removal: The surgeon dissociates the diseased portion of the cornea.
- Donor Cornea Placement: Transplant tissue is precisely positioned and fixed with microfilaments.
- Post-Procedure Care: Preventative antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops are recommended to prevent infection and promote healing.
Benefits of Corneal Transplant Surgery
- Restored Vision: Improves clarity and sharpness of vision.
- Relieves Pain: Alleviates discomfort caused by corneal conditions.
- Improved Quality of Life: Enhances daily activities and boosts confidence.
- High Success Rate: Offers long-term results with proper care.
Cost of Corneal Transplant Surgery
- United States: $8,000 – $15,000
- United Kingdom: $6,000 – $10,000
- Thailand: $3,000 – $6,000
- India: $1,500 – $3,500
Best Hospitals in India for Treatment
India is a country where some of the most optimal corneal transplantation hospitals exist, including:
- Metro Hospital Faridabad: The state-of-the-art center for super specialty eye surgery and excellent patient care.
- Max Healthcare (Delhi) Advanced technology and experienced ophthalmologists are available.
- Fortis Healthcare (Delhi): Repute for comprehensive ophthalmic care and involvement in high corneal transplant success rate societies.
Risks and Complications
Corneal allograft transplantation is extremely safe, but the risks are as follows:
- Rejection of Donor Tissue: Rare but possible, requiring close monitoring.
- Infection: Preventable with proper postoperative care.
- Astigmatism: Irregular curvature of the cornea may require correction.
- Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure post-surgery.
- Delayed Healing: This may happen in the elderly or patients with comorbidities.
Recovery
After corneal transplantation, the degree of recovery is different based on the type of surgery:
- First Few Weeks: Vision improves gradually, though blurriness may persist.
- 3-6 Months: The patient attains complete healing, and surgeons remove the sutures if used.
- 1 Year: Final visual outcomes are achieved. Doctors advise patients to avoid heavy lifting and follow all postoperative guidelines.
