India has become an important global centre for medical tourism, providing top-notch medical care at a significantly lower cost than many Western nations. Corneal transplantation is one of the many medical operations that foreign patients seek out, and it is one that Indian institutions excel at performing. India has gained a reputation for having excellent medical facilities, highly qualified medical personnel, and state-of-the-art equipment. As a result, those looking for reasonably priced and superior corneal transplant treatments now prefer to travel there.

What is Cornea Transplant Surgery? 

Keratoplasty, frequently referred to as cornea transplantation, is a surgical operation in which a healthy donor's cornea is used to replace a diseased or damaged cornea. This kind of surgery is carried out to fix vision problems and ease pain brought on by wounds, infections, or degenerative disorders of the cornea. In accordance with the degree of corneal damage, several methods, such as lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty, are employed. With the growth of technology, the operation has become a widely used technique for improving eyesight and general eye health.

A corneal transplant could: help people see again; lessen suffering; and enhance the appearance of a cornea that is infected or damaged. The majority of corneal transplant procedures are successful. A corneal transplant may, however, occasionally not go as planned due to donor cornea rejection.

What is Cornea rejecting?

Cornea rejection is a rare case scenario (10%) in which the immune system of the receiver will mistakenly attack the newly transplanted cornea. This is called rejection, and it would require medical assistance and, in some cases, another transplant itself. It could be diagnosed based on symptoms like red eyes, frequent pain in the eye, sensitivity to light, and loss of vision.

Preparation for the surgery

Prior to starting the process of corneal transplant surgery, there are a few important processes and evaluations that need to be completed.

1. The ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination to start the process.
2. The eyes will be precisely measured after the examination. This stage is crucial in figuring out the precise corneal donor size needed for the transplant process.
3. At the same time, a thorough assessment of all the drugs and supplements the patient is currently using will be conducted. To reduce risks and complications during the cornea transplant procedure, several drugs or supplements may need to be temporarily stopped, either before or after the procedure.
4. Additionally, the eye specialist will take care of any unrelated eye issues that can compromise the corneal transplant's success.

Who should be the donor? 

It’s received from the dead. Corneas from deceased patients with unexplained deaths are not used. Corneas from patients with a history of eye surgery, eye disorders, or specific conditions—like contagious diseases—are also not used. Individuals in need of cornea transplants do not require tissue matching, in contrast to those in need of organs such as livers or kidneys.

Procedure of the surgery

The patient will receive medication on the day of your corneal transplant to make them feel less nervous or frightened, as well as medication to numb the eye. In any case, there should be no discomfort. One eye at a time is operated on. The length of time spent in surgery will depend on his/her circumstances.

After: The patient should receive certain medications, such as eye drops, to prevent infection. Lying on the back will help to reset the new tissue. Also, wear eye protection and avoid possible injuries.

Types of the Surgery

Three primary techniques are included in corneal transplantation surgery, commonly referred to as keratoplasty, and are each designed to address distinct corneal needs and conditions:

1. Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): The conventional and most widely used method for corneal transplantation is called PK. It entails using a donor cornea to completely replace the diseased or damaged cornea. A button-shaped piece of the patient's cornea that is full thickness is removed by the surgeon, and the donor cornea is sutured in its place.

Significance: For ailments such as advanced keratoconus, corneal degeneration, and corneal scarring, PK is frequently advised.

2.   Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK):   In contrast to PK, LK replaces just the damaged corneal layers while maintaining the integrity of the healthy layers. By focusing on particular corneal defects and maintaining as much of the patient's healthy tissue as possible, this kind of surgery offers a more targeted approach.

Indications: Depending on the depth of involvement, LK can be used to treat problems that exclusively affect specific layers of the cornea, such as anterior or posterior lamellar keratoplasty.

3. Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK): EK aims to replace only the impaired corneal endothelium, which controls fluid balance and preserves corneal clarity. Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) are two more subtypes of this surgery that both require the transplantation of donor endothelial cells.

Significance: When the endothelium layer is the primary impacted condition, such as in Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, EK is especially helpful.

Nations with best Cornea transplant Surgery in the world

The field of corneal transplant surgery has seen immense development, with a number of countries emerging as pioneers in offering a variety of novel and effective techniques. The United States, which is well-known for its advanced medical infrastructure and proficiency in corneal transplantation, is one of the leading candidates. India has also made incredible progress, providing high-quality corneal transplant procedures at a reasonable price, which has drawn medical tourists to the country. Reputable for having outstanding medical facilities and highly qualified medical personnel who offer cutting-edge corneal transplantation procedures are Singapore and Thailand. South Korea, with its technical innovations and talented surgeons, has positioned itself as a hub for new eye procedures. Spain, which has an excellent healthcare system and an outstanding track record for corneal transplant treatments, has also made significant improvements in the field.

The Cost of Cornea Transplantation in India

The dynamic parameter of corneal transplantation costs in India is impacted by multiple factors that cause pricing variations amongst different cities. This treatment typically costs between INR 63,000 and INR 1,29,000, with an estimated average of INR 94,765. It is crucial to remember that this is only an estimate, and the real cost may vary depending on a number of variables, including the location of the surgery, the standing of the hospital, the surgeon's experience, and the particular kind of corneal transplantation being done. Large cities, which are renowned for having sophisticated medical facilities, may incur somewhat greater expenses than smaller communities. Pre-operative evaluations, post-operative care, and prescribed drugs may also incur extra costs. A prospective patient should, in light of the above factors that affect the total cost of corneal transplantation in various parts of India, speak with healthcare professionals for precise and comprehensive cost breakdowns.

Best hospitals for Cornea transplantation in India 

• Apollo Hospitals.
• BLK Super Speciality Hospital.
• Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
• Asian Hospital Faridabad.
• Apollo Hospital, Chennai.
• Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket.
• W Pratiksha Hospital.
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute.
• The Eye Foundation, Kochi
• The Eye Foundation, Banglore
• Al Salama Eye Hospital, Calicut
• Abate Eye Hospital, Perinthalmanna
• L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad

Best doctors for Cornea transplantation in India 

• Dr. Sameer Kaushal , 25+ years experience, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Dr. Vivek Garg, 12 + years experience, BLK Max Hospital, Delhi
• Dr. (Col.) Jaivir Singh, 32 years experience,Fortis hospital, Mohali
• Dr.Mahipal Sachdev, 25 years experience, Centre of Sight, Delhi
• Dr. Sudipto Pakrasi, 27 years of experience, Medanta Hospital, New Delhi
• Dr. Anitha Sethi, 24 years  experience, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Delhi-NCR
• Dr. Sonica Gupta, 20 years  experience, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket
• Dr. (Maj) V Ragavan, 40 years experience, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

FAQ 

1. What is the cost of a corneal transplant in India?

The type of surgery, hospital amenities, and surgeon fees are among the variables that affect cornea transplant costs in India. It often falls between INR 63,000 and INR 1,29,000.

2. What is the cost of laser corneal surgery?

One of the safest techniques for corneal transplantation is the use of a laser. It is the most efficient method of correcting corneal eyesight and has the fewest adverse effects. Moreover, astigmatism, hypermetropia, and myopia can all be treated with laser eye surgery. In India, the average cost of a corneal transplant with air assistance ranges from 1,00,000 to 1,30,000.

3. How can I make an appointment in India to get a cornea transplant?

Make an appointment by getting in touch with the hospital of your choice's ophthalmology department. In India, a lot of hospitals provide online appointment scheduling or medical consultation helplines.

4. What dangers are connected to corneal transplant surgery?

Although corneal transplants are generally safe, there are some concerns to be aware of, including bleeding, infection, donor cornea rejection, glaucoma, other retinal problems, and variations in intraocular pressure. It is imperative that you and your physician go over these risks before starting treatment.

5. How much time is spent recovering in the hospital following corneal transplantation?

Patients usually need to stay in the hospital for a few days for initial monitoring and recovery; however, this can vary. The precise length will depend on each situation and be decided by the surgeon.

6. What is the Indian cornea transplant success rate? 

In India, corneal transplants are highly successful, and most recipients report improved vision. A variety of factors affect the result, including the patient's health, the doctor's experience, and compliance with post-operative treatment.

7. What is the duration of recovery following corneal transplant surgery?

Every patient has a different recuperation time. A full recovery could take several months, even though some people could start to feel better in a few weeks. For the best outcomes, post-operative care must be strictly followed.

8. Is it possible for me to pay for my cornea transplant in India with health insurance?

   Surgery for corneal transplantation is covered by many health insurance plans. It is advisable to consult your insurance provider to ascertain the scope of coverage and any prerequisites for pre-authorization.

9. After corneal transplantation, are there any lifestyle modifications required?

During the early stages of their recuperation, patients could be recommended to refrain from physically demanding activities, swimming, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. To track development, follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist are crucial.

10. How can I pick the best Indian hospital and surgeon for a corneal transplant?

Look at ophthalmology-focused hospitals that have a good reputation; take into account patient feedback and surgeon experience. Consult medical professionals or people who have experienced comparable treatments for recommendations.

11. What are the general guidelines for cornea transplantation pre- and post-operative care?

While post-operative care entails using prescription eye drops, attending follow-up appointments, and carefully adhering to the surgeon's instructions, pre-operative care may involve avoiding specific medications. Throughout the procedure, maintaining proper eye hygiene is essential.