Cornea Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty): Detailed Breakdown (2025)
Introduction
The human eye is one of the most intricate and sensitive organs, and the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped layer at the front of the eye—plays a crucial role in maintaining sharp, focused vision. Acting as the eye’s natural lens, the cornea bends and directs incoming light onto the retina, enabling us to see clearly and perceive the world in vivid detail.
However, when the cornea becomes damaged due to injury, infection, keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, or other hereditary conditions, it can lose its transparency and shape. This damage often leads to blurred or distorted vision, extreme light sensitivity, chronic eye pain, and, in severe cases, partial or complete vision loss. For patients experiencing these symptoms, a cornea transplant—also known as keratoplasty—offers a highly effective solution. This surgical procedure involves replacing the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue, helping restore clear vision and significantly improving overall eye health.
Every year, thousands of patients worldwide undergo corneal transplants, benefiting from advancements in microsurgical techniques and post-operative care. India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking corneal transplantation, thanks to its cutting-edge ophthalmic hospitals, world-class surgeons, and cost-effective treatment options. With organizations like Shifam Health, patients receive comprehensive support throughout their medical journey, including transparent treatment packages, assistance with medical visas, hospital coordination, and post-surgery recovery guidance.
Whether you are seeking treatment for keratoconus, corneal scarring, or other corneal disorders, India’s top eye care centers offer safe, reliable, and affordable cornea transplant surgery, enabling patients to regain vision and lead a more independent life. With expert surgeons, advanced technology, and personalized patient care, the dream of clear sight is within reach for everyone.
👉 Your vision deserves the best care. Contact Shifam Health today to explore trusted hospitals, surgeons, and affordable cornea transplant packages in India
What is Cornea Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty)?
A cornea transplant (keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. This restores the cornea’s transparency, allowing light to properly reach the retina.
There are different types of keratoplasty procedures:
| Type of Cornea Transplant | Description | When It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) | Full-thickness transplant – entire cornea replaced | Severe corneal damage or scarring |
| Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) | Only the diseased front/middle layers are replaced | Partial corneal disease, trauma |
| Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK, DMEK) | Only the innermost layer (endothelium) is replaced | Fuchs’ dystrophy, corneal swelling |
| Artificial Cornea (Keratoprosthesis) | Synthetic implant replaces cornea when donor tissue isn’t suitable | Rare cases with multiple graft failures |
Types of Cornea Transplant Surgery – Full-thickness (PK), Partial-thickness (LK), and Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK, DMEK). Each method is chosen based on the patient’s condition and severity of corneal damage.”
Conditions that Require Cornea Transplant
A corneal transplant is not always the first line of treatment. Doctors usually recommend it when other therapies, such as medications or corrective lenses, fail. Conditions requiring keratoplasty include:
- Keratoconus: Progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea.
- Corneal Scarring: Caused by injuries, infections, or ulcers.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A hereditary condition where the inner corneal layer deteriorates.
- Corneal Swelling (Edema): Fluid buildup that clouds vision.
- Post-Surgical Complications: Vision loss after procedures like cataract surgery.
- Hereditary Corneal Diseases: Genetic conditions impairing corneal clarity.
👉 Shifam Health ensures international patients are connected with leading eye specialists in India who diagnose the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
The Cornea Transplant Procedure: Step by Step
A cornea transplant typically involves careful pre-surgery preparation, a precise surgical technique, and structured recovery.
1: Pre-operative Evaluation
- Comprehensive eye tests (vision, thickness, pressure).
- Matching with donor cornea from an eye bank.
- Assessment of general health and readiness for surgery.
2: The Surgery
- Performed under local or general anesthesia.
- Damaged cornea tissue is removed.
- Donor cornea is positioned and secured with ultra-fine sutures.
- Procedure duration: 1–2 hours.
3: Post-Surgery Hospital Stay
- Most patients stay 1–2 days for monitoring.
- Discharge with medications and follow-up instructions.
Cornea Transplant Success Rate
Corneal transplantation is one of the most successful organ transplant procedures worldwide.
Global vs. India Success Rates
- First-time, low-risk patients: 85–90% success rate.
- High-risk or repeat transplants: 60–75% success rate.
- Indian hospitals consistently match global benchmarks due to skilled surgeons, advanced techniques, and quality donor tissue.
Factors Influencing Success
- Patient’s age and health condition.
- Type of keratoplasty performed.
- Donor tissue quality and preservation.
- Patient compliance with post-op care.
Why India Stands Out
- State-of-the-art facilities at NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals.
- Surgeons trained internationally in DMEK & DSAEK.
- Affordable costs without compromising quality.
- Robust eye bank networks ensuring availability of donor corneas.
Recovery After Cornea Transplant
Healing after keratoplasty takes time, and patients must follow strict guidelines.
Immediate Post-op Care
- Use of antibiotic and steroid eye drops.
- Wearing an eye shield to protect the graft.
- Pain management with oral medications.
Recovery Timeline
| Timeline | Recovery Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks | Initial healing, reduced discomfort |
| 1–3 months | Vision gradually improves |
| 6–12 months | Stitches may be removed |
| 1–2 years | Full stabilization of vision |
Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Attend all follow-ups.
✅ Wear protective glasses outdoors.
❌ Avoid rubbing or pressing the eye.
❌ No swimming, heavy lifting, or contact sports until cleared.
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary blurred vision.
- Redness or mild irritation.
- Sensitivity to light.
👉 With Shifam Health, patients receive structured follow-up schedules and multilingual care teams who coordinate with their surgeons even after they return home.
Risks and Complications
Although keratoplasty is safe, risks may include:
- Infection
- Corneal swelling or detachment
- Astigmatism (irregular vision)
- Graft rejection (occurs in 1 out of 5 patients)
Warning Signs of Rejection (The 4 R’s)
- Redness
- Reduced Vision
- Rash of Pain
- Reaction to Light (sensitivity)
Prompt medical attention can reverse rejection in most cases. If the graft fails, a repeat transplant may be required.
Cost of Cornea Transplant Surgery
One of the major reasons patients travel to India is affordability.
| Country | Average Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| India | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| USA | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| UK | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| UAE/Turkey | $6,000 – $10,000 |
What’s Included in Shifam Health Packages
- Surgeon’s fee and hospital charges
- Donor cornea cost
- Medications and consumables
- In-patient stay
- Visa, travel, and accommodation support
💡 Internal link suggestion: “Explore our detailed guide on Medical Visa & Treatment Packages in India.”
Why Choose Shifam Health for Cornea Transplant in India?
Shifam Health is more than just a facilitator—it’s a trusted partner for international patients.
- Partnerships with top eye hospitals and world-renowned surgeons.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- Quick access to donor corneas via established eye banks.
- End-to-end support: Visa, flights, accommodation, translator assistance.
- 24/7 dedicated patient care managers.
- Proven success stories from patients worldwide.
FAQs on Cornea Transplant Surgery
Most corneal grafts last 10–15 years, sometimes longer with proper care.
Yes, but usually one eye is treated first and the other later if required.
The procedure itself is painless due to anesthesia. Some discomfort may be felt during recovery.
Light work may be resumed within 2–3 weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
A successful graft can last over a decade. In case of rejection, repeat transplants are possible.
Cornea Transplant: For advanced corneal damage, scarring, or dystrophies.
LASIK: For correcting refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
👉 Learn more about LASIK treatment in India
Conclusion
Cornea transplant surgery (keratoplasty) has transformed the lives of millions worldwide by restoring sight, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. With modern techniques such as PK, DSEK, and DMEK, success rates continue to rise, making it a safe and effective option for patients with advanced corneal disease. Recovery does require patience, careful follow-up, and strict adherence to medical advice—but the long-term outcomes are often life-changing.
If you or your loved one is considering cornea transplant surgery, choosing the right hospital and experienced ophthalmic surgeon is the most important step. At Shifam Health, we guide international patients to India’s leading eye care centers, ensuring world-class treatment, transparent costs, and complete support throughout the journey.
If you or a loved one is struggling with vision loss due to corneal damage, don’t delay treatment.
👉 Shifam Health connects international patients with leading eye hospitals and expert surgeons in India for affordable, high-success-rate cornea transplant surgery.
📌 Get a Free Treatment Plan Today and take the first step towards restoring your vision.