The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that helps focus light and provides clear vision. When the cornea becomes damaged due to disease, injury, infection, or degeneration, it can lead to significant vision loss and discomfort. Corneal Transplant Surgery, also known as Keratoplasty Surgery, is an advanced procedure that replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue to restore vision and improve eye health.
At Jehan Eye Clinic, Dr. Kareeshma Wadia, an experienced cornea specialist in Mumbai, provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for patients requiring corneal transplantation. Using modern diagnostic technology and personalized treatment planning, she helps patients achieve the best possible visual outcomes.
Corneal full-thickness Therapeutic Transplant done for a fungal corneal infection
What Is a Cornea Transplant (Keratoplasty)?
A Cornea Transplant or Keratoplasty Surgery is a surgical process wherein an unhealthy cornea is replaced with healthy cornea tissue to help improve eyesight, reduce pain, and strengthen the structure of the eyes.
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, enabling clear vision. When the cornea becomes cloudy, scarred, or misshapen, it can significantly impair vision, making a transplant a necessary intervention.
The modern approach to Cornea Transplantation involves replacing only the damaged parts of the cornea, leading to quicker recovery for many individuals.
Who Needs Corneal Transplant Surgery?
A Cornea Transplant Surgery may be recommended for patients with severe corneal damage that affects vision, causes pain, or cannot be treated with medications, glasses, or contact lenses.
You may be a candidate for corneal transplantation if you have:
- Advanced keratoconus
- Corneal scarring from infections or injuries
- Corneal ulcers causing permanent damage
- Corneal dystrophies
- Corneal thinning disorders
- Bullous keratopathy
- Corneal edema or swelling
- Failed previous corneal transplant
Early consultation with a cornea transplant doctor can help determine the most appropriate treatment option and prevent further vision deterioration.
Types of Corneal Transplant Surgery
The type of transplant recommended depends on the location and severity of corneal damage.
- Therapeutic Keratoplasty
Therapeutic keratoplasty is performed to remove infected or severely damaged corneal tissue and preserve the structural integrity of the eye.
- Optical Keratoplasty
Optical keratoplasty is performed primarily to improve vision by replacing scarred or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
Penetrating keratoplasty involves replacing the full thickness of the cornea and is commonly recommended when multiple corneal layers are affected.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
DALK replaces the front layers of the cornea while preserving the healthy inner endothelial layer. This technique is frequently used for keratoconus and certain corneal scars.
DSEK is a partial-thickness transplant procedure that replaces only the damaged endothelial layer, allowing for faster recovery and improved visual rehabilitation in selected patients.
Cornea Transplant Cost in India
The Cornea Transplant Cost in India varies depending on several medical and surgical factors. Every patient requires a personalized evaluation before determining the most suitable transplant technique and treatment plan.
Factors Affecting Cornea Transplant Cost
- Type of corneal transplant performed
- Severity of the corneal condition
- Donor cornea availability
- Eye bank processing charges
- Diagnostic investigations required
- Surgical technology used
- Surgeon expertise and experience
- Postoperative medications and follow-up care
At Jehan Eye Clinic, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plan to ensure the most appropriate approach for their condition.
Why Choose Jehan Eye Clinic for Cornea Treatment in Mumbai?
Jehan Eye Clinic provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of corneal disorders using modern technology and evidence-based care.
Patients choose our clinic for:
- Comprehensive corneal evaluation
- Advanced diagnostic imaging
- Personalized treatment planning
- Expertise in corneal transplantation
- Keratoconus and corneal disease management
- Long-term postoperative care and monitoring
Whether you require treatment for keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal infections, or transplantation, our goal is to provide high-quality cornea treatment in Mumbai tailored to your individual needs.
Book a Consultation with a Cornea Specialist in Vile Parle, Mumbai
If you are looking for an experienced cornea specialist in Mumbai or a trusted cornea transplant doctor in Vile Parle, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kareeshma Wadia at Jehan Eye Clinic. With expertise in corneal transplant surgery, keratoconus management, and advanced corneal care, Dr. Wadia provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition.
Book your consultation today at Jehan Eye Clinic in Vile Parle, Mumbai, for expert evaluation and advanced treatment of corneal disorders, corneal transplantation, and other complex corneal conditions.
Support Eye Donation, Give the Gift of Sight
Eye donation plays a vital role in restoring vision for patients requiring corneal transplant surgery. A donated cornea can help transform someone's life by giving them the opportunity to see again.
Corneal tissue can be donated within six hours after a person's passing. If you wish to support eye donation, simply contact your nearest eye bank or inform the hospital where the death has occurred. Their trained team will guide you through the process and make the necessary arrangements.
By pledging to donate eyes, you can help bring hope and vision to those waiting for a corneal transplant.
Cornea Transplant / Keratoplasty FAQs
When is a cornea transplant needed?
To restore the vision of a person with a damaged cornea, a corneal transplant surgery is executed.
Is a cornea transplant a major surgery?
YES.
In any organ transplant, there is always the risk of rejection, this can be reversed with eye drops most of the time.
What is the recovery period after a cornea transplant?
There are different types of transplants. A lamellar advanced procedure may recover in 4-5 weeks. It can take up to a year to fully recover from a full-thickness corneal transplant. With the exception of heavy lifting, most people are back to their normal practices and lifestyle within one to two months.
How long does it take to regain vision after a cornea transplant?
There are different types of transplants. It may take six to twelve weeks for the patient to get the full benefits of the procedure and to be able to see clearly. The doctor will prescribe certain eye drops to help you heal post-surgery and prevent your body from rejecting the donor organ. Vision may be blurry for a certain period of time post-surgery.
Can a person live a normal life after a cornea transplant?
A corneal transplant is a fairly safe procedure. Patients have stated that after a corneal transplant, their day-to-day activities had enhanced as an outcome of better eyesight. So yes, one can lead a normal life after a cornea transplant as long as they follow the doctors’ instructions for post-surgery aptly.
How can I become an organ donor for cornea transplant purposes?
To become a cornea donor, one has to inform their next of kin and immediate family regarding their choice. In the case of a hospital death, the hospital authorities need to be informed, and they will arrange to execute the eye donation. If a death happens at home, you need to call the nearest eye bank and they will visit the house to collect the cornea. You can also register and add your name to the EBAI Organ Donor Register and inform your immediate family about their decision.
Is cornea transplant surgery painful?
Corneal transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia. There maybe pain after the procedure, for which your Doctor will prescribe pain killers. You should continue using the eye drops prescribed by your doctor which will help reduce inflammation and also lower the chances of infection
What is the success rate of corneal transplants?
Based on the type of procedure done, the success rate varies. Most lamellar surgeries are more successful. But as it is an organ transplant surgery there is always a small risk of complications, such as rejection of the donor cornea.
Can both eyes receive corneal transplants simultaneously?
NO. Corneal transplant surgery is always done on one eye at a time.
Are there any specific restrictions or precautions after the surgery?
All the surgeries are day care procedures. You may have to wait for a few hours after the procedure at the hospital, but will be discharged the same day.
Certain instructions provided by the doctor must be followed they are as follows:
• During the first few weeks’ post-surgery avoid heavy exercises or heavy lifting.
• Do not rub your eyes
• Avoid places or activities which have or can produce dust as that could cause irritation to the eyes.
• Avoid contact sports and swimming, at least until your doctor says it is safe for you.
• You will be prescribed eye drops post-surgery which you must continue to put for the prescribed duration as it will help in reducing the inflammation.
Can cornea rejection occur, and how is it treated?
In certain cases, corneal rejection can happen. Rejection happens when our immune system recognizes that the donated cornea does not belong to our body and attacks it. Rejection can happen after a few months of the procedure or it can sometimes also happen just a few weeks later.
This can often be treated effectively with steroid eye drops.
Are there any alternatives to cornea transplant for certain conditions?
For Keratoconus, the Corneal collagen cross-linking (C3R / CXL) procedure is an FDA-approved first line of treatment, it can preserve vision and prevent further progression of the disease which if worsened could lead to the need for a corneal transplant. Scleral contact lenses can also be tried for patients as a last resort. For those people whose vision does not improve by any other options, the transplant may be the last option.
But otherwise, it depends on the underlying cause.
What should a person expect during the follow-up appointments?
The follow-up visit with your doctor usually happens 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. They will remove your eye patch dressing and check on your eye recovery.
You will be prescribed eye drops and ointments to reduce swelling prevent infection and also prevent the chances of rejection.
Depending on the type of operation that you have undergone, you may or may not have to have stitches removed. The doctor will recommend that you wear glasses or other protective eyewear for some time.
Is Artificial cornea available in India?
Yes, the very first artificial 3D-Printed Human Cornea in India has been developed by the L V Prasad Eye Institute, Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad.
Is eye transplant possible in India?
Yes very much. It is routinely done by cornea specialist Dr. Kareeshma Wadia.
How much does a corneal transplant cost in India?
The average cost for a corneal transplant varies from approximately Rs. 50,000 to Rs.1,50,000 per eye, based on the type of procedure and whether associated with the laser.
Can we see without cornea?
The cornea is like the windscreen of your car. It is the very first clear part of the eye that covers the pupil. It protects the inner eye and also focuses light that passes through to the eyes’ lenses and retinas. Without this focus, when the light passes through the front of the eye, it cannot land precisely on the retina, which in turn leads to blurry vision.
Does cornea change with age?
Over our entire life span, there are certain bodily changes that transpire. These include changes in corneal toxicity, sphericity, thickness, tactile sensitivity, and a variety of aging changes.
How much does a corneal transplant cost with insurance?
Depending on the type of surgery needed- Therapeutic/Optical and Full Thickness/Lamellar the cost of the surgery varies from 50,000 to 2,00,000 rupees.
How much cost for eye transplant in India?
Eye (cornea) transplant costs anywhere between 50,000 to 2,00,000 rupees in India. Rates may vary based on the location.
Jehan Eye Clinic is a center for skilled clinical excellence, and aims at being at par with the
latest technology at all times. It is headed by Dr Kareeshma Wadia-Havewala, who is a
specialist in Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgeries.