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What Is a Corneal Transplant?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that helps focus light and maintain vision clarity. When the cornea becomes damaged or diseased, vision can become blurry or even lost.
A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. This advanced surgery has restored sight to millions of people worldwide and is one of the most successful organ transplants performed today.
What Is a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant involves replacing part or all of the damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. The new cornea helps restore clear vision, reduce pain, and improve the appearance of a diseased or scarred cornea.
This surgery is usually recommended when non-surgical treatments like medications or laser therapy fail to improve vision.
Who Needs a Corneal Transplant?
You may need a corneal transplant if you suffer from:-
- Keratoconus (a thinning and bulging cornea)
- Corneal scarring due to injury or infection
- Fuchs’ dystrophy (a hereditary condition affecting the cornea)
- Corneal ulcers or swelling that cause vision loss
- Complications from previous eye surgery
An eye specialist at Mumbai Eye Care Cornea LASIK Centre can determine whether you are a good candidate after a detailed eye examination.
Types of Corneal Transplant
There are different techniques based on how much of the cornea needs replacement:-
| Type | Description | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) | Full-thickness cornea replacement | For deep corneal damage |
| DSEK / DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) | Partial transplant of the innermost corneal layers | For endothelial (inner) cornea diseases |
| DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) | Thinner, more advanced version of DSEK | Faster recovery, clearer vision |
| Lamellar Keratoplasty | Only outer layers of cornea replaced | For superficial damage or scarring |
Modern corneal transplant techniques focus on layer-by-layer precision, reducing recovery time and improving success rates.
Step-by-Step Corneal Transplant Procedure
- Eye Examination: The ophthalmologist assesses your eye health and explains suitable options.
- Donor Tissue Selection: Healthy corneal tissue is obtained from an eye bank.
- Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience.
- Tissue Replacement: The surgeon carefully removes the damaged part and replaces it with the donor cornea.
- Sutures (Stitches): Fine stitches secure the new tissue.
- Post-Surgery Care: Protective eye shields and medicated drops are prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing.
The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, and most patients go home the same day.
Recovery Process and Aftercare Tips
Recovery from a corneal transplant can take several months, but vision improvement often begins within a few weeks.
Aftercare Tips:
- Use prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops regularly.
- Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from dust and UV rays.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist.
- Avoid swimming, heavy lifting, or makeup until approved by your doctor.
Proper care can help ensure smooth healing and clear vision restoration.
Success Rate and Possible Risks
Corneal transplants are among the most successful eye surgeries with a 90–95% success rate, especially with modern techniques like DMEK and DSEK.
Possible Risks Include:
- Graft rejection (immune response)
- Infection or inflammation
- Vision fluctuations
- Need for additional surgery in rare cases
Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent complications. Regular eye check ups are essential for long-term success.
Why Choose Mumbai Eye Care for Corneal Transplant
Mumbai Eye Care Cornea LASIK Centre is one of Mumbai’s leading eye hospitals specializing in corneal treatments, LASIK, cataract, and advanced eye surgeries.
Why Patients Trust Us:
- Experienced Cornea Specialists and LASIK Surgeons
- Use of latest technology and minimally invasive techniques
- Personalized care and transparent pricing
- High success rate and patient satisfaction
- NABH certified and safety compliant eye care centre
Whether you need a full corneal transplant or a partial keratoplasty, Mumbai Eye Care offers the best treatment tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How long does vision take to improve after corneal transplant?
Vision gradually improves over 3–6 months, depending on the type of surgery and healing speed.
FAQ 2: Can the body reject a corneal transplant?
Yes, but it’s rare. Early detection and medication can successfully reverse most rejection cases.
FAQ 3: Is corneal transplant painful?
No, the surgery is performed under anesthesia, and mild discomfort after surgery is managed with prescribed drops
FAQ 4: How long does a corneal graft last?
In most cases, corneal grafts last 10–20 years or even longer with proper care.
FAQ 5: Can LASIK be done after corneal transplant?
In some cases, LASIK or PRK can be performed after a transplant to correct residual vision errors, but only after complete healing.
Conclusion
A corneal transplant can be a life-changing procedure, helping patients regain vision and confidence. With advanced technology and experienced surgeons at Mumbai Eye Care Cornea LASIK Centre, patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care.
If you’re experiencing vision loss due to corneal damage, book a consultation today and take the first step toward clearer vision.