Corneal transplant
Corneal transplant is an ophthalmological surgical procedure in which part of the cornea is replaced by corneal tissue from a different donor. This surgery is aimed at restoring vision, reducing pain, and improving the already damaged cornea.
Today, we at MyMedTrip.com shall brief you on the procedure of this corneal transplant, corneal transplant cost in India, and corneal transplant success rates. Along these lines we will also share with you some details on corneal transplant procedure and the process of the surgery and the risks that it entails.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Corneal transplant cost in India | 1500 USD (per eye) |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 1 Day |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 7-8 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | Over 95% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | preoperative blood tests, eye measurement, and eye examina- tion. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
Corneal transplant
Corneal transplant is suggested to people whose cornea has been damaged. Thus, corneal transplant surgery restores the functions of cornea by replacing the damaged corneal parts with healthy cornea tissues from a donor.
In order to understand this condition better, we must first try to understand the anatomical structure of the eye and the functions of the eye, especially the functions of the cornea.
About the eye
The human eye comprises choroid, ciliary body, cornea, fovia, iris, lens, macula,optic nerve, pupil, sclera, vitreous humor, and the retina. Each of these components form the circular structure called the eye.
The choroid is the outermost layer consisting of blood vessels and is situated in between the retina and the sclera. The sclera is the white coating of the eye that appears at the surface.
The ciliary body lies at the corner, right behind the iris. The iris is the round coloured part of our eyeballs responsible for regulating the amount of light that enters the eye. Located within the iris is the pupil.
Behind the pupil and the iris, lies the lenses which directs the light received by the iris, into the retina. With increasing age, these lenses get damaged. When this occurs, special devices such as spectacles or artificial lenses are used to enhance vision.
After the lenses, the eyeballs are filled with blood vessels that connect the outer visible part of the eye to the retina, and the rest of the body. Connecting the lens to the retina is vitreous humour. The retina is located at the back of the eye and is responsible for transmitting the vision-images into the brains through the optic nerve.
Functions of the eye
The human eye is responsible for transmitting the images we perceive as information, to the brain. It regulates one of the five senses in our body that help us interpret things and understand the world around us.
When we see something, our eyes take in the light. The amount of light to be taken in is regulated by the iris. The iris and the lens directs this light to the back of the eye, into the retina. The retina, with the help of the optic nerve, transmits this imagery information to the brain.
Corneal transplant treatments
There are a wide range of eye problems that are treated with corneal transplant. Some of them are:-
1. Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a very rare condition of the eye in which the structure of the cornea is distorted. This results in loss of vision.
In keratoconus, the cornea’s surface thins down. The cause of this occurring is unknown. However, most medical professionals state that it is congenital.
Koretoconus’s symptoms begin from childhood and continue on to early adulthood. It is symptomized by loss of vision at night, headaches, eye irritation, clouded vision, and light-sensitivity.
At first, keratoconus is treated with the help of medications and eye glasses. Ultimately corneal transplant surgery is required to restore sight.
2. Fuchs’ dystrophy
Fuchs’ dystrophy is a condition in which the corneal cells begin to degenerate. This could result in corneal edema, a condition in which fluid builds up in the cornea.
Fuch’s dystrophy is a congenital condition. Although it is present at birth, its symptoms begin much later in middle-age. With the disease’s progression, the endothelium layer which is responsible for maintaining fluid levels in the cornea, gets degenerated. This degeneration causes lumps which get collected at the back of the cornea.
This condition is symptomised by eye pain, light sensitivity, alteration of eyesight, blurred vision, possible colour blindness. Fuch’s dystrophy is treated with medications, ointments, and eye drops at first. Corneal transplant surgery is suggested in the later stages of the disease.
3. Corneal tear
A corneal tear, also known as corneal abrasion, is a condition in which the cornea’s surface gets torn. This can happen while scratching our eye too harshly, getting an eye injury, or when dust particles enter the eyes. A corneal tear could also result from dirty contact lenses, eye infection, and chemicals that could enter the eye.
Corneal tear is symptomized by pain in the eye while closing or opening the eye, eye redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Treatment begins with the prescription of eye drops, ointments, and medications. Corneal transplant is suggested when the corneal tear is quite aggressive and does not resolve in one or two day’s times.
4. Corneal scarring
Corneal scarring results from corneal damage. They may be caused by incorrect use of contact lenses, eye burns, lacerations, deep scratches, or some underlying diseases such as syphilis.
Corneal scarring is symptomized by eye pain, scarring, blurred vision, a burning sensation, red eye, eyelid swelling, or excessive tearing of the eye. Treatment for corneal scarring ranges from laser surgery to corneal transplant procedure.
5. Corneal swell
This condition is also known as corneal edema.
Corneal swell or corneal edema is caused by build up of fluid in the cornea. This condition may be caused by an external eye injury or an internal symptom of some other eye condition. This is symptomized by eye pain, a sensation of something being stuck in the eye, and light-sensitivity.
Initially it does not require any treatment. But if the symptoms worsen, then a corneal transplant surgery may be recommended.There are some other conditions as well, such as an eye ulcer, which would warrant a corneal transplant surgery.
Before corneal transplant surgery
Before the corneal transplant surgery, the patient will be prescribed some tests that they need to undergo in order to be cleared for the surgery. The tests include:-
- A physical eye exam
- Eye measurement
- Preoperative blood tests
The doctor may prescribe some additional tests. The doctor will also ask for the patient’s past medical history like whether the patient has had any previous eye surgery, and what kind of medication that patient is on.
After the test results have arrived, looking for a donor begins. Matching the donor with the recipient is not difficult as with other organs.
Corneal transplant surgery procedure
The surgery commences under a sedative and a local anesthesia. Surgery begins with one eye at a time. Following this, the surgeon may use any of the four methods to conduct this surgery.
If the surgeon is using the PK (penetrating keratoplasty) method, then the surgeon progresses to cut out the damaged cornea in its entirety. In its place, the new corneal tissue which has been prepared after the eye measurement, is placed.
The surgeon places the new cornea with the help of stitches. The surgery is completed with this.
Other methods for this surgery include endothelial keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and keratoprosthesis. Your doctor will describe the method completely before using any one of them.
Recovery after corneal transplant surgery procedure
After the surgery, the patient may feel some soreness and bruising upon waking up.
An eye patch will be attached to the eye, the patient must wear it at all cost. During the procedure, it is pertinent to take all medications, take precautions not to fall, and tosleep cautiously with head elevated.
It takes a total of two-three weeks to recover from this surgery.
Corneal transplant surgery procedure risk
Risks associated with a corneal transplant are:-
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Donor cornea rejection
- Retinal detachment
- Swelling
- Glaucoma
- Anesthesia allergies
One must inform the doctor immediately if the patient has high fever or even persistent pain in the eye.
Majority of the people who undergo corneal transplant procedure have part of their vision restored. But it is pertinent to visit the doctor for regular check-ups as the risk of the new corneal tissue does not go away with time.
How can MyMedTrip.com help you?
Once you have decided to travel to India for Corneal Transplant, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com. The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost!
We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India. Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers.
Although, most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian, Bengali and English. If you have any further queries or questions related to Corneal Transplant in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corneal Transplant
What is corneal transplant?
Corneal transplant is an ophthalmological surgical procedure in which part of the cornea is replaced by corneal tissue from a different donor.
Where is the cornea located?
The cornea is the outer white visible layer of the eye.
What is the function of the cornea?
The function of the cornea is to protect the eye and regulate light entering the eye.
Why might I need a corneal transplant?
You may need a corneal transplant if your cornea has suffered damage due to some injury or eye condition.
What are the tests required for corneal transplant?
The tests required for corneal transplant are preoperative blood tests, eye examination, eye measurement etc.
What are the different types of corneal transplant surgeries?
There are various types of corneal transplant surgeries. Some of them are endothelial keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, keratoprosthesis, and penetrating keratoplasty.
Which surgery is best suitable for me?
Your doctor will inform you on the best suitable surgery.
Under what anesthesia does corneal transplant surgery take place?
Local anesthesia with a sedative.
What are the risks associated with corneal transplant surgery?
The risks associated with corneal; transplant surgery are infection, bleeding, donor cornea rejection, retinal detachment, swelling, glaucoma, and anesthesia allergies.
When to inform the doctor in case of risks of corneal transplant surgery?
You must inform the doctor immediately if the patient has high fever and persistent pain in the eye.
How long does it take to recover from this surgery?
It takes a total of two-three weeks to recover from this surgery.
