Learn about Corneal Grafting 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 Corneal Grafting and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Corneal Grafting

Corneal grafting, also known as corneal transplantation or keratoplasty, is a delicate surgical procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that plays a crucial role in focusing vision. This sight-restoring surgery is often the last resort for conditions that cause corneal scarring, swelling, or distortion. Modern techniques, such as Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) or Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), allow for selective replacement of only the damaged corneal layers, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes. The goal is to restore clarity, improve vision, relieve pain, and treat severe infections or injuries.

Key Highlights

    Restores vision impaired by corneal disease or injury.Relieves pain associated with certain corneal conditions.Modern techniques (like DMEK/DSAEK) offer faster visual recovery.Can treat conditions unresponsive to medication or other therapies.Uses carefully screened and processed donor tissue for safety.Can be performed as a full-thickness or partial-thickness transplant./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Keratoconus (a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea).
  • Corneal scarring from infection (e.g., herpes, fungal keratitis) or injury.
  • Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (failure of the corneal pump cells).
  • Bullous keratopathy (corneal swelling).
  • Failed previous corneal graft (graft rejection or failure).
  • Certain hereditary corneal dystrophies.
  • Severe corneal ulcers or perforations.

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.
  • Pre-operative tests as advised by the ophthalmologist and anesthesiologist.
  • Arranging for donor corneal tissue, which is rigorously tested for safety.
  • Fasting for several hours before the surgery if general anesthesia is planned.
  • Arranging for transportation and post-operative care 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 (irregular corneal curvature) affecting vision.
  • Graft failure, where the new cornea does not function properly.
  • Retinal detachment or bleeding inside the eye (rare).

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Eye will be patched and protected with a shield initially.
  • Strict use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory 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 instructed.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and swimming for a period specified by the surgeon.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for monitoring of healing and graft health.
  • Vision may be blurry and fluctuate for several weeks to months as the eye heals.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for stable vision

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering corneal grafting 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 corneal grafting compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 524 – USD 2,098 0-1 days ~ 3-6 months for stable vision Know More
Turkey USD 3,808 – USD 15,231 0-1 days ~ 3-6 months for stable vision Know More

Top hospitals for Corneal Grafting in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing corneal grafting.

Manipal Hospital

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Ophthalmologists for Corneal Grafting

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform corneal grafting 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

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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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