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Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
The cornea is a transparent, dome-shaped tissue located at the front of the eye. Its function is to refract light entering the eye correctly to ensure clear vision and to protect the eye from external factors such as dust, microbes and trauma. The cornea contains no blood vessels; it is nourished by tears and intraocular fluid. Certain diseases (keratoconus, corneal dystrophies), injuries, inflammations, or previous surgeries can impair the transparency of the cornea. In such cases, vision quality is significantly reduced.
Corneal transplantation is the procedure of replacing a dysfunctional cornea with a healthy cornea obtained from a donor. Regular follow-up for the first 1-2 years after surgery is very important. Antibiotic eye drops are used in the first few weeks, followed by long-term (usually 1 year) cortisone eye drops. The eye must be protected from wind, dust, impact and rubbing. Vision gradually improves in the first few months after
What is Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty)?
Corneal transplantation, medically known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed when the cornea, located at the front of the eye and responsible for the proper refraction of light, is damaged. Loss of transparency in the cornea leads to a significant decline in vision quality. In such cases, the patient’s damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy donor cornea. The aim is to reduce vision loss, improve quality of life and preserve eye health.
The cornea is a special tissue that does not contain blood vessels. It is nourished by tears and intraocular fluid. Therefore, any damage or loss of transparency directly affects vision. Corneal transplantation is one of the most common organ transplants worldwide and has a high success rate.
Why is a Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty) Performed?
The cornea is the eye’s most important optical window. If this tissue loses its transparency or shape, the patient cannot see clearly. The reasons for performing a corneal transplant are as follows:
- To correct vision loss: To restore visual function in patients who cannot see clearly due to a cloudy, opaque, or deformed cornea.
- To relieve pain and discomfort: Some corneal diseases can cause severe pain. Transplantation eliminates these complaints.
- To restore the integrity of the cornea: To repair a cornea whose structure has been damaged due to injury or surgery.
- Post-infection repair: To correct damage caused by severe inflammation or infection of the cornea.
Increasing healthcare costs and long waiting times, particularly in developed countries, have made corneal transplantation an important treatment within the scope of medical tourism.
How is a Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty) Performed?
Corneal transplant surgery is performed under a microscope by experienced eye surgeons. During the procedure:
- Anaesthesia: The patient is usually under local anaesthesia, but general anaesthesia may be used in some cases.
- Removal of the damaged cornea: The surgeon uses a special device to cut and remove the diseased corneal tissue in a circular fashion.
- Insertion of the donor cornea: The healthy donor cornea obtained from the eye bank is cut to the same size and inserted into the patient’s eye.
- Micro sutures: The donor cornea is secured to the eye with very fine sutures. These sutures can remain in the eye for a long time and are removed when deemed appropriate by the doctor.
Types of Corneal Transplantation
- Full-thickness keratoplasty (penetrating keratoplasty): This involves replacing the entire corneal layer.
- Lamellar keratoplasty: This involves replacing only the damaged layer. It is a more modern technique and has a shorter recovery time.
These different methods are selected according to the patient’s condition.
Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty): For Which Conditions Is It Performed?
- Corneal transplantation is an effective treatment method preferred for many eye conditions:
- Keratoconus: Thinning of the cornea, causing it to take on a cone shape.
- Corneal dystrophies: Hereditary or acquired corneal diseases.
- Trauma-related damage: Corneal damage following accidents, blows, or chemical burns.
- Post-infectious opacities: Permanent damage following severe microbial infection.
- Surgical complications: Cloudiness in the cornea following previous eye surgery.
- Burns and chemical damage: Conditions where the cornea loses its structural integrity.
The common feature of these conditions is that they cause corneal damage severe enough to impair vision.
The Recovery Process Following Corneal Transplantation (Keratoplasty)
- The post-operative period is crucial for the success of the transplant.
- Initial period: Mild pain, stinging, and blurred vision may occur in the eye in the days following surgery.
- Medication: Patients are prescribed antibiotic and cortisone eye drops. These drops must be used regularly to prevent rejection and infection.
- Check-ups: The doctor checks the condition of the stitches at regular intervals. The stitches are usually removed after 6–12 months.
- Adaptation period: It may take several months for the new cornea to fully adapt to the eye. Vision usually improves significantly 3–6 months after surgery.
- Precautions During the Recovery Process
Protect the eye from impact
- Maintain good hygiene
- Take the medication prescribed by the doctor without fail
- Avoid sports and strenuous activities
Although the success rate is high, the most important risk is the immune system rejecting the donor cornea. Therefore, early symptoms (redness, pain, light sensitivity, vision loss) should be monitored closely.
The Journey of Corneal Transplantation in Turkey
Initial Consultation
Travel and Accommodation
Procedure
Post-Operative Care
Discover Turkey While Regaining Your Vision
Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty) FAQs
At MDO Health Tourism, we provide world-class medical treatments with expert doctors and accredited hospitals in Türkiye. Our mission is to combine high-quality healthcare with personalized travel services for a safe and comfortable patient experience.