Corneal Transplantation

What is corneal transplantation?

The cornea is the inclined transparent layer of the eye, which is located at the front of the eye, has the task of focusing the light and protecting the eye from external factors, plays a major role in the visual function, and is the most important refractive lens of the eye. The transparency of the cornea can be impaired by many diseases. These diseases can be congenital, genetic, or microbial. If the vision is very low in the last stage of keratoconus and the patient cannot benefit from contact lenses or intracorneal rings, the treatment option is corneal transplantation.

Some diseases such as keratoconus may change the shape of the cornea and make corneal transplantation necessary.

About corneal transplantation

Corneal transplantation is the replacement of diseased tissue with healthy donor tissue in diseases where the shape or transparency of the cornea is impaired. It is medically known as keratoplasty. The most common diseases are keratoconus, corneal edema, microbial ulcers of the cornea, or spots (opacities) resulting from accidents, injuries, and hereditary corneal spots. In the past, regardless of the cause of the disease, full-thickness corneal tissue (penetrating keratoplasty) was changed in all corneal transplantations. This procedure had complications such as severe infection, rejection of transplant tissue, and inability to see with irregular astigmatism.

Today, corneal transplantations are performed for whichever layer of the cornea is affected by the disease in the corneal tissue. Transplantation techniques vary according to the state of the endothelial cell, which is located in the innermost layer of the corneal tissue and keeps the cornea transparent. Corneal transplantations in which the anterior layer of the cornea is replaced are called anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and corneal transplantations in which the endothelium is replaced (DSAEK, DMEK). In developed countries such as America, more than 50% of corneal transplantations are performed with these new methods.

At Dünyagöz, advanced corneal transplantations such as DALK, DSAEK, or DMEK are routinely performed according to the patient's corneal disease. In this way, patients from our country and different countries of the world regain their vision thanks to these new corneal transplantation techniques. Classical full-thickness corneal transplantations are now applied in very few patients only in cases of necessity.

In keratoconus and corneal stains where the endothelium is intact, in anterior lamellar keratoplasty called DALK, the anterior 85-90% thick part of the cornea is replaced. In this type of corneal transplantation, the probability of rejection of the donor tissue is much reduced or almost eliminated. The chance of survival of the tissue becomes equal to the patient's healthy eye.

Seamless endothelial cell transplantation is performed through a small incision called DSAEK or DMEK in eyes with corneal edema or in eyes with insufficient endothelium in which previous corneal transplantation was rejected. In this type of corneal transplantation, patients can return to their normal lives in a few weeks. Unlike conventional transplants, patients do not wait for a year for wound healing and stitch removal. In these eyes, the eye number does not change and astigmatism does not occur after corneal transplantation.

Patient and donor corneas can be cut in planned shapes with a Femtosecond laser instead of trephine blades. Femtosecond laser-cut corneal transplantations result in less astigmatism and patients can see better.

What is the level of vision after corneal transplantation?

A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure used when the cornea is damaged or diseased. After a cornea transplant, vision may change depending on many factors. Results can be affected by some factors, including the condition of the cornea before the procedure, the general health of the patient, and the thorough recovery period after surgery.

Vision after corneal transplantation is generally good, and many patients experience improved vision after the procedure. However, achieving a completely normal vision is not always guaranteed. In some cases, vision clarity may remain poor, or assistive vision correction devices such as glasses or contact lenses may be required.

Vision may vary depending on the purpose of the corneal transplant, the techniques used, and the individual circumstances of the patient. For example, in some conditions, such as superficial damage to the cornea or keratoconus, you may be more likely to improve your vision after a cornea transplant. However, in the case of more serious corneal diseases or other complications, restoration of vision may be difficult.

Therefore, the level of vision after corneal transplantation may be different for each patient. Your surgeon can provide you with more accurate information as predicted outcomes vary from patient to patient.

The recovery process after a corneal transplant

The recovery process after a corneal transplant can vary depending on the health of the patient, the type of surgery, and how the cornea heals. However, in most cases, the transplanted cornea is accepted by the body and the patient's vision improves.

What should be considered after corneal transplantation

Corneal transplant is a successful surgical procedure worldwide and can help many patients with vision loss. However, it always comes with risks and can have serious side effects. Therefore, if you are considering a procedure such as a cornea transplant, you should talk to your ophthalmologist to learn more about the risks and benefits.

Prices for corneal transplantation

To learn about prices for corneal transplantation, you can click on the link below and fill out the form. Our customer service representatives will contact you shortly with further details.

Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.

*The content of this page is for informational purposes only. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Last Update Date: 02.06.2023