Learn about Corneal Grafting Treatment in Turkey — 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 Turkey, 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 551 – USD 2,202 0-1 days ~ 3-6 months for stable vision Know More
Turkey USD 4,098 – USD 16,391 0-1 days ~ 3-6 months for stable vision Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Karan Nair, a 58-year-old retired school...

Karan Nair, a 58-year-old retired school teacher and avid reader from Kerala, had his world slowly dimming over the past decade. A childhood injury from a firecracker had left him with a scarred and progressively thinning cornea, a condition called keratoconus. His symptoms began with distorted, blurry vision and extreme sensitivity to light, making reading and even watching television a strain. Eventually, he could only perceive light and shadows. His ophthalmologist, after years of managing the condition with rigid contact lenses, finally recommended a full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty (corneal graft) as the only way to restore functional vision. The surgery itself was anxiety-inducing but painless under local anaesthesia. The recovery was a long test of patience, involving a strict regimen of steroid eye drops to prevent rejection and months of gradually improving but fluctuating vision. Emotionally, Karan felt a deep sense of loss and dependence before the surgery. After a year of healing, with his new cornea stable and vision corrected to 20/40 with glasses, the emotional reward was profound. He described the moment he could clearly see his granddaughter's face for the first time as 'a second birth,' filling him with immense gratitude and a renewed zest for life's simple visual pleasures.

Ophthalmologists for Corneal Grafting

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform corneal grafting and provide pre- and post-operative care in Turkey.

Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. İlker İncebıyık
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Turkish
Consult Charge ₹ 15000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Liv Hospital Ankara, Istanbul

OPD-desk synced • Updated