Corneal Transplantation: Restoring Vision Through Corneal Replacement

Corneal Transplantation

Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure in which a healthy cornea replaces a damaged one when the cornea, the transparent front layer of the eye, loses its function due to disease, infection, trauma, or other damage. This procedure is performed to restore vision and improve eye health. Corneal transplantation is a common surgical procedure that produces successful results worldwide. In this article prepared for you, we aim to provide information about who can undergo corneal transplantation, how the process works, and the risks associated with this procedure.

Who Can Undergo Corneal Transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is generally performed in the following cases:

• Those experiencing vision loss due to corneal opacity or loss of transparency,

• Those with corneal infections and corneal diseases such as keratoconus,

• Those experiencing eye injuries or corneal damage resulting from post-surgical complications,

• Individuals affected by genetic or hereditary diseases such as corneal degeneration and dystrophy,

Suitable candidates for corneal transplantation are determined following evaluations and tests conducted by ophthalmologists.

How Does the Corneal Transplantation Process Work?

The corneal transplantation process includes the following steps:

• First, a suitable corneal donor must be found. Donor corneas are obtained from organ donors and preserved under appropriate conditions.

• General or local anesthesia is administered to the patient. The type of anesthesia depends on the patient's health status and the physician's preference.

• During the surgical procedure, the patient's damaged cornea is removed and a healthy cornea is placed in its place. The cornea is secured with fine sutures.

• Following surgery, the patient's eye is protected with a bandage and eyeglasses. During the recovery period, the patient undergoes regular examinations by the ophthalmologist and receives appropriate medication therapy.

• The recovery period varies from patient to patient. Generally, complete healing and restoration of vision may take several months.

What Are the Risks of Corneal Transplantation?

Like all surgical procedures, corneal transplantation has certain risks. These risks can be listed as follows:

• Although performed under sterile conditions, there is a risk of post-operative infection.

• Bleeding in the eye may occur during or after the surgical procedure.

• This is the condition where the body rejects the transplanted cornea as a foreign material. This condition can be controlled with appropriate medication therapy.

• After corneal transplantation, some patients may experience vision problems such as astigmatism, myopia, or hypermetropia. This condition is corrected by using eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Corneal transplantation is a successful procedure performed to restore vision and improve eye health in suitable candidates. However, it is important to consider the risks of this procedure and the recovery process, and to comply with physician recommendations.

What Is the Vision Rate After Corneal Transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure performed when the transparent layer located in the front part of the eye becomes damaged due to disease, injury, or infection. The vision rate after corneal transplantation varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the patient's general health status, and post-surgical care.

The vision rate after corneal transplantation is generally high. Following a successful corneal transplant, approximately 85-90% of patients achieve better vision quality. When penetrating keratoplasty is performed, 60-70% of patients achieve a vision level of 20/40 or better, while 90% achieve a vision level of 20/60 or better. When lamellar keratoplasty is performed, vision levels may improve even further.

However, it should be remembered that the vision rate after corneal transplantation differs in each patient, and in some cases, particularly due to other problems in the patient's eye, the vision level may be lower.

Recovery Period After Corneal Transplantation

The recovery period after corneal transplantation varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient's general health status. Generally, the recovery period after corneal transplantation is as follows:

• During the first few days after surgery, the patient may experience mild pain, swelling, and redness in the eye. During this period, it is important to use the medications prescribed by the physician regularly.

• Within the first few weeks, the patient's vision level gradually improves. During this period, there may be mild blurriness and light sensitivity in the eye.

• At this stage of the recovery process, the patient's vision improves further, and the swelling and redness in the eye decrease. During this period, it is important to continue using the medications recommended by the physician and to attend regular check-ups.

• The complete recovery period after corneal transplantation is generally completed between 12 and 18 months. During this period, the patient's vision reaches its optimal level and other symptoms in the eye completely disappear.

Precautions to Be Taken After Corneal Transplantation

Precautions to be taken after corneal transplantation are as follows:

• Protecting the eye after surgery is important. Wearing appropriate eyeglasses to protect the eye from blows and injuries is necessary.

• Using the medications prescribed by the physician regularly reduces the risk of infection and inflammation and accelerates the healing process.

• Paying attention to eye hygiene after surgery reduces the risk of infection. It is important not to touch the eye with dirty hands and to remain in a clean environment.

• Avoiding strenuous activities and sports during the first few weeks after surgery reduces pressure on the eye and accelerates the healing process.

• Attending regular physician check-ups after corneal transplantation helps detect and treat potential complications early.

The vision rate after corneal transplantation is generally high, and most patients achieve better vision quality following successful surgery. The recovery period and precautions to be taken vary depending on the patient's health and the type of surgery. During this process, it is important to comply with the physician's recommendations and to attend regular check-ups.

Corneal Transplantation Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained international recognition through its investments and efforts in the healthcare field. Particularly, the latest technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has brought hope to many diseases. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Hospitals being large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped with technological instruments,

• Turkish physicians being specialized, successful, and talented in their field,

• Nurses and patient care assistants being friendly and compassionate,

• Questions being answered quickly and accurately,

• All personnel involved, including the intermediary company assisting the patient, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering natural and historical attractions along with vacation opportunities,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Medical care needs such as diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation being available at affordable costs,

are listed among the reasons for preference. Regarding Corneal Transplantation Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives wishing to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide definitive pricing information. Many factors such as the type and stage of the disease, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the length of stay in Turkey affect the pricing. If you wish to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you choose to receive treatment in Turkey through our assistance, we can facilitate your visa application process with an invitation letter we send to the consulate.