Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that plays a critical role in focusing vision. Damage from infection, injury, degenerative diseases, or complications from previous surgeries can impair vision significantly. Corneal transplantation restores clarity and functionality, often improving or even saving vision.
Donor Tissue Source
The donor cornea is obtained from a recently deceased individual who had previously consented to organ donation. These corneas are collected and screened through accredited eye banks, where they undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are free of infectious diseases and meet strict quality and safety standards. The tissue is then preserved and matched for surgery. Corneal tissue donation is widely practiced and typically does not require blood-type matching.
Types of Corneal Transplant Procedures
There are several surgical techniques depending on the extent of damage:
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Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): Full-thickness transplant; replaces the entire cornea. Suitable for deep or widespread damage.
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DSEK/DMEK (Endothelial Keratoplasty): Partial-thickness transplant that replaces only the innermost corneal layer. Ideal for patients with endothelial cell loss.
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Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty: Replaces the front corneal layers while preserving healthy back layers. Used in cases of surface scarring or dystrophy.
Your surgeon will select the most appropriate method based on the underlying condition and eye health.
💡 Want to restore your vision with expert care? Book your consultation with alaanmed and access top-tier ophthalmologists for advanced corneal transplant procedures.
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Benefits
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Improved vision: Most patients experience a significant boost in visual clarity, especially with full-thickness transplants.
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Relief from pain and discomfort: Especially in cases of corneal ulcers, dystrophy, or recurrent erosions.
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Cosmetic enhancement: A damaged or cloudy cornea can create a noticeable eye appearance; transplantation can improve eye clarity and appearance.
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Enhanced quality of life: Being able to return to daily activities such as reading or driving is often life-changing for patients.
Post-Operative Care
Proper aftercare is critical for transplant success:
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Eye drops: Antibiotic and steroid drops prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
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Follow-up visits: Regular check-ups help monitor healing and detect any signs of rejection early.
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Protective measures: Use of eye shields during sleep and avoiding trauma or rubbing the eye are essential.
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Recovery time: Vision may take several months to stabilize. Stitches may be removed over time, depending on healing progress.
Risks and Challenges
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Rejection of donor tissue: Although rare, signs like redness, pain, or blurred vision must be reported immediately.
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Infection and inflammation: Controlled with post-op medications and hygiene.
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Astigmatism or blurred vision: Sometimes glasses or corrective surgery may be required after healing.
Why Choose alaanmed?
alaanmed is committed to providing international patients with a seamless and trustworthy medical experience. We collaborate with highly experienced surgeons and certified hospitals that follow global standards of care. From your first inquiry to your full recovery, we handle everything — including medical consultations, treatment planning, travel arrangements, and aftercare support. With transparent communication, personalized assistance, and affordable, high-quality services, alaanmed ensures that every patient feels informed, cared for, and confident in their medical journey.