Corneal Transplant in India
What is Corneal Transplant?
Cornea transplant, also known as corneal grafting, involves the replacement of a diseased cornea in a patient with a donated corneal graft or tissue.
The surgery can be conducted in its entirety through penetrating keratoplasty or partially through lamellar keratoplasty. In this process, a clear and healthy cornea replaces the diseased and opaque cornea, aiming to restore lost vision by allowing light rays to enter through the clear transplanted cornea.
What is the Cornea?
The cornea, an external, transparent covering of the eye housing the colored pupil and iris, plays a pivotal role in vision. When damaged, it can swell, impacting its smoothness and clarity. Comprising about two-thirds of the eye's refracting surface, the cornea is crucial for clear vision, functioning as a clear window. Diseases affecting the cornea result in a loss of transparency, diminishing vision quality. Impairments can arise from injuries, genetic conditions, infections, or malnutrition. Initial treatment often involves medications, but for individuals experiencing a significant loss, cornea transplant becomes a necessary intervention, especially when vision is compromised by approximately 70 percent in one or both eyes.
Types of Cornea Transplants
Lamellar transplants are considered the most suitable when the disease process is confined to a specific portion of the cornea.
Indications of a Corneal Transplant?
Procedure for Corneal Transplant
Hospitalization is not necessary for the cornea transplant procedure, as it is conducted under general anesthesia. Prior to using donor corneas for transplantation, a meticulous examination of the tissue is conducted. To manage persistent blinking and eye movement, an injection is administered into the patient's eyes. Additionally, surgeons may employ eye drops to numb the eye as needed.
Afterward, the surgeon scrutinizes the affected area to determine the necessary size of the donor tissue. The initial step involves extracting a similarly shaped button from the affected cornea of the patient, followed by the placement of a corresponding button from the donor tissue. Subsequently, the surgeon sutures this button into its designated position. Finally, a plastic shield is applied to safeguard the patient's eye from any rubbing or external contact.
Recovering From a Corneal Transplant
Corneal Transplant Post Operative Recovery
Benefits of Corneal Transplant
Success Rate of Cornea Transplant
The corneal transplant stands out as one of the most successful organ transplant surgeries. Its success rate is closely tied to the severity and type of eye injury. Notably, the success rate reaches an impressive 89% for cases of Keratoconus, 73% for Fuchs' Dystrophy, and ranges from 60% to 70% for corneal scarring.
Cost of a Corneal Transplant
India stands out as a frequently chosen destination for medical tourism, renowned for its advanced healthcare infrastructure equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities. Consequently, the cost of corneal transplants in India is notably affordable compared to other countries, making it an attractive option for those seeking medical treatments.
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
Start your Journey to Good Health With The Third Eye Medical Services
