Learn about Cornea Transplant Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cornea Transplant and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cornea Transplant

A cornea transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye essential for focusing vision. This sight-restoring surgery is typically recommended when vision problems cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or medication. Modern techniques, such as Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) or Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), allow for selective replacement of only the damaged corneal layers, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes. A successful transplant can dramatically improve vision, reduce pain, and treat various corneal conditions.

Key Highlights

    Can restore clear vision and significantly improve quality of life.Treats a wide range of corneal diseases and injuries.Modern techniques (like DSAEK/DMEK) offer faster visual recovery and fewer complications.High success rate for many conditions, especially when performed by a skilled specialist.Can relieve pain associated with certain corneal disorders.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Keratoconus (a thinning and bulging of the cornea).
  • Corneal scarring from infection (e.g., herpes, fungal keratitis) or injury.
  • Fuchs' dystrophy or other corneal endothelial dystrophies.
  • Corneal failure after previous eye surgery (e.g., cataract surgery).
  • Severe corneal ulcers or perforations.
  • Hereditary corneal opacities or degenerations.
  • Chemical burns or trauma damaging the cornea.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive eye examination to assess corneal health and overall eye condition.
  • Measurement of the eye to determine the required graft size.
  • Review of medical history and current medications; some may need to be paused.
  • Arrangement for a suitable donor cornea from an eye bank.
  • Pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting before surgery.
  • Discussion of anesthesia options (typically local with sedation).
  • Planning for post-operative care and assistance at home.

Risks & possible complications

  • Graft rejection, where the body's immune system attacks the donor tissue.
  • Infection in the eye (endophthalmitis).
  • Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma).
  • Cataract formation or progression.
  • Astigmatism or other refractive errors requiring glasses or contact lenses.
  • Graft failure, where the new cornea does not function properly.
  • Retinal detachment or swelling (cystoid macular edema).
  • Bleeding, inflammation, or wound healing problems.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Eye will be patched and protected with a shield initially.
  • Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and steroid eye drops for several months to prevent infection and rejection.
  • Avoid rubbing, pressing, or getting water in the eye for several weeks.
  • Wear protective eyewear during the day and a shield at night as advised.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for a period specified by your doctor.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for close monitoring of healing and graft health.
  • Vision may be blurry initially and improve gradually over weeks to months.
  • Final vision correction with glasses or contact lenses may be needed after full healing.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full visual stabilization (initial recovery 4-6 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering cornea transplant in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cornea transplant compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
Turkey USD 3,809 – USD 15,236 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay) ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization (initial recovery 4-6 weeks) Know More
India USD 526 – USD 2,103 0-1 days (often outpatient or short stay) ~ 3-6 months for full visual stabilization (initial recovery 4-6 weeks) Know More

Top hospitals for Cornea Transplant in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing cornea transplant.

Manipal Hospital

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Ophthalmologists for Cornea Transplant

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform cornea transplant and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Subhasish Das - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake with 11 years experience
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pravin Kumar Singh - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake with 26 years experience
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Angshuman Goswami - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Salt Lake with 28 years experience
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Kunjlata Khunteta - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Jaipur with 14 years experience
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

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Dr. Anindya Anuradha - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Ranchi with 18 years experience
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

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Dr. Archana Kumari - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Ranchi with 12 years experience
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi

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Dr. Sugato Paul - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Mukundapur with 16 years experience
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

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Dr. Vishal Arora - Ophthalmologist at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon with 13 years experience
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

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Dr. Dukhabandu Panigrahy  - Ophthalmologist at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar with 36 years experience
  • 36 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

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Dr. Nikhil S. Sardar - Ophthalmologist at Nanavati Hospital Mumbai with 21 years experience
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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