Hospitals For Cornea Transplant in India

A cornea transplant also referred to as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy tissue from a donor. The cornea is a clear outer layer of the eye that lies in front of the iris and pupil. Cornea functions like a window that protects the eyes against dirt, germs, other particles, and damaging UV light. If the cornea is damaged due to any eye ailment or eye injury, it can become swollen, scarred, and severely affect the vision. A cornea transplant can reduce pain and help restore clear vision.

Who is a good candidate for cornea transplant surgery?

Corneal transplant is recommended for those people with the following eye problems:

• Cornea scarring due to infection and trauma
• Keratoconus, a degenerative condition  in  which cornea becomes misshapen or thin
• Corneal ulcers or sores from an infection
• Some inherited corneal conditions such as Fuch’s dystrophy, Lattice dystrophy 
• Thinning, clouding or swelling of the cornea
• Problems caused by earlier eye operation

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During your initial consultation, the ophthalmologist will review the medical history, and a complete medical examination is done to evaluate the suitable procedure.  Once the surgery is planned, you will be given a set of instructions to avoid complications during and after the surgery. These instructions may include:

• Temporarily discontinuation of certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen etc.
• Smoking and alcohol cessation if you smoke or drink.
• Food restriction the night before surgery.

Precise measurements of the eye are taken to determine the size of the cornea and to arrange a suitable corneal tissue for transplantation. In most cases, the corneas used in cornea transplants come from deceased donors.

How is cornea transplant surgery performed?

It is an outpatient procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure typically takes less than 2 hours to perform.

Before the transplant, the patient will be given anesthesia (local or general) depending on the medical condition. The entire operation is done under a surgical microscope. The diseased corneal tissue is cut and lifted away from the eye. Once the damaged tissue is removed, the donor cornea is cut to a matching size and placed on the patient's eye. It is held in place with very fine stitches using suture material that is about as thin as a hair.

The following are the main techniques for cornea transplant:

a) Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or full-thickness cornea transplant:  All layers of the diseased cornea are replaced with clear, healthy cornea tissue from a donor.

b) Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) or back layer cornea transplant: All diseased tissue from the back corneal layers, including the Descemet Membrane,  (thin layer of endothelial tissue) are replaced. There are two types of endothelial keratoplasty surgeries:

• Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)
• Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)

After surgery, a shield is taped over the eye to keep it safely covered. A follow-up visit may be needed within 24 to 48 hours of surgery.  A stay of 15 to 20 days is required for undergoing cornea transplants in India.

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How much does cornea transplant cost in India?

Uncompromised quality of services, supreme care, and cost-effectiveness are the key factors that attract people across the globe to undergo cornea transplant surgery in India. Cornea transplant cost in India depends on the type of surgery, surgeon, facility, and the city where you choose to get the surgery. Cornea transplant cost in India starts from USD 2200. 

Top destinations for cornea transplant in India

Hospitals in India have the most progressive facilities with highly skilled and experienced corneal transplant specialists. New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad are the top destinations for cornea transplants in India.

Benefits of undergoing cornea transplant surgery in India 

India has emerged as one of the prominent healthcare destinations all around the world. Some of the most important advantages are:

• Top-notch services at an affordable price
• Well-qualified and experienced doctors
• Customized services
• Professional post-procedure care 
• Medical services easily combined with a holiday/business trip

Connect with us

TMI medical tourism is the best choice for patients who are eyeing for budge- friendly treatments in India.  In addition to the world-class treatment at an affordable price, we help you in choosing the best ophthalmologist in India and assure you hassle-free arrangements during your visit.