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The Benefit Of Cornea Transplant Abroad 

Most patients seeking corneal transplants abroad want to save costs, find highly skilled ophthalmologists, and reduce waiting time. Seeking cornea transplant treatment in non-private hospitals will likely place you on a waiting list. And during this period, your eyesight may worsen.

A cornea transplant is a complex treatment, and you will have a higher chance of treatment from a skilled overseas surgeon than a local doctor with less experience.

There are many advantages of traveling abroad to receive a corneal transplant abroad:

Find highly skilled and experienced surgeons

The surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. Their clinics are accredited by renowned institutions like Joint Commission International JCI or International Organization for Standardization ISO.

Treatment that's worth your money 

Finding a specialist abroad will be more cost-effective than visiting an amateur doctor in your local country.

You get access to superior patient care services

Most doctors usually see their patients once a month. So, an average doctor spends fewer than seven minutes with a patient. Ultimately, this means that patients don't experience good patient care services from their doctors.

On the other hand, if you travel abroad to receive treatment, you can expect to be treated with care and respect when you go for treatment abroad. The surgeons in these reputable hospitals take the time to talk to patients.

The procedure is more affordable abroad

The cost of health care in the US, UK, and Australia has been rising for the past few years. Medical procedures cost 40% - 50% less abroad.

You have access to innovative treatment options 

Traveling abroad for treatment will open other possibilities or introduce better, more effective treatments.

Tips For Choosing The Best Keratoplasty Clinic Abroad 

  • Choose a surgeon registered with an international governing body like the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Or any other reputable international board. 

  • Verify the surgeon's experience. Ask about the surgeon's education, additional fellowship training, and how often they performed the treatment. 

  • Schedule an online consultation. Most clinics or hospitals that work with international patients offer this service. 

  • Research the condition of the clinic before booking. It's recommended to visit the clinic before booking and finalizing the procedure. Talk to the staff and past patients if possible. 

  • Ask what's the follow-up steps after the surgery and aftercare procedure steps. 

  • Choose the right surgeon, do your due diligence, and enquire. 

  • Plan your trip well, and give yourself time to rest after the treatment. 

Ideal Candidate For Cornea Grafting Treatment Abroad  

The ideal candidate for corneal transplant treatment includes those showing the following symptoms: 

  • Cornea scarring because of an injury or an infection

  • Corneal ulcers or sores from an infection

  • Keratoconus; is a medical condition that makes the cornea bulge out 

  • thinning, clouding, or swelling of the cornea

  • inherited eye problems such as Fuchs' dystrophy

  • The issue caused by an earlier eye operation

If you experience either of these symptoms, talk to the doctor, and they will advise you on the best procedure for your condition.  

Corneal Transplant Surgery Cost Abroad

The factors that affect the cost of corneal transplant surgery abroad are the hospital's location, the surgeon's experience, the technique used, and the type of treatment.

Country Estimated Cost
UK

€13,000 - €27,000

USA

€13,000 - €27,000

Turkey

€12,200 per eye

Australia 

€6,000

Learn more about Corneal Transplant in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.

Corneal Transplant Clinics(12 Clinics)

SORTED BY:
Dunyagoz Etiler
Istanbul, Turkey
Dunyagoz Etiler Verified
  • Founded in 1996
  • Has 2,500 employees
  • 7 days, 24 hours service
  • Monitored by ISO 9001
Learn More
From
€13,000
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Dunyagoz Antalya
Antalya, Turkey
Dunyagoz Antalya Verified
  • Advanced post-op care system
  • High quality hygiene policy
  • 97% would recommend
  • Internationally trained surgeons
Learn More
From
€13,000
Contact Clinic
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Dunyagoz Atakoy
Istanbul, Turkey
Dunyagoz Atakoy Verified
  • JCI-Certified
  • Use of the latest technology
  • Open weekends
  • Internationally trained doctors
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From
€7,100
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Medical Park Antalya Hospital
Antalya, Turkey
Medical Park Antalya Hospital Verified
  • ISO 9001 Certified
  • Over %95 effective result rate
  • Uses the latest technology
  • Premium facility
Learn More
Please Inquire
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Dunyagoz Frankfurt
Hesse, Germany
Dunyagoz Frankfurt Verified
  • Personalized treatment program
  • Over 15 years of reputable medical experience
  • Uses the latest technology
  • Has world-class specialists
Learn More
Please Inquire
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Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Medical Park Bahcelievler Hospital Verified
  • Has JCI Accreditation
  • High quality hygiene policy
  • 1000+ treatments (operations) last year
  • Follows strict standards to deliver exceptional services
Learn More
Please Inquire
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Dunyagoz Ankara
Ankara, Turkey
Dunyagoz Ankara Verified
  • Rooms are comfortable as 7-star hotel
  • Accredited by ISO 9001:2000
  • Preliminary and follow-up examination
  • Experienced surgeons
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From
€7,100
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Dunyagoz Bursa
Bursa, Turkey
Dunyagoz Bursa Verified
  • Experienced surgeons
  • 90% would recommend
  • Accredited by the US JCI
  • Advanced post-op care system
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From
€7,100
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Kent Hospital
Izmir, Turkey
Kent Hospital Verified
  • 95% would recommend
  • Advanced technology investment
  • 1000+ treatments last year
  • Founded in 2008
Learn More
Please Inquire
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Medical Park Ankara Hospital
Ankara, Turkey
Medical Park Ankara Hospital Verified
  • Well-equipped staff
  • Advanced diagnosis and treatment methods
  • 158 beds
  • Award-winning surgeons
Learn More
Please Inquire
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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Apr 27, 2023

Corneal transplant surgery or corneal transplantation is not recommended for patients which can get the same results through other types of less invasive treatment. Patients need to have a thorough eye examination with an ophthalmologist before the corneal transplant surgery.

The patient should also have a physical examination, blood tests, EKG, and X-rays done before the corneal transplantation procedure. Corneal transplant surgery is usually done under general anesthesia but local anesthesia with IV sedation may also be used.

Types of Corneal Transplant 

Penetrating keratoplasty surgery – full corneal transplant

Once the anesthesia kicks in, the surgeon uses a circular cutting device to remove the cornea from the donor. Another circular cutting device is used to remove the patient’s cornea as well. Once that is done, the cornea is sewn in place with very small sutures. Antibiotic eye drops are then used in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Lamellar keratoplasty surgery – partial corneal transplant

Several techniques can be used while performing lamellar keratoplasty surgery. The only difference is that diseased layers of the cornea are replaced and healthy layers are left in place.

What To Expect After The Procedure? 

Once the corneal transplantation procedure is over, the patient will spend some time in the hospital in order to recover.
Antibiotics in the form of eye drops are used for a few weeks after the corneal transplant procedure. Corticosteroids are also used for a few months after the corneal transplantation procedure is done.

Patients will be required to wear sunglasses, glasses, or eye shields in order to protect the eye from any trauma.

Corneal Transplantation Risks And Complications

  • Bleeding
  • Scarring
  • Cataract formation
  • Retinal detachment
  • Infection
  • Other vision problems

Corneal transplant surgery side effects include:

  • Inflammation in the eyes region
  • Itchiness in the eyes region
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Dry eyes

Cornea Grafting Success Rate

Corneal transplantation reviews set the average success rate between 70 and 89%, depending on the problems the patient is facing. It takes around 18 months for the patient to achieve full visual potential after the corneal transplant surgery.

Some patients may also wear rigid contact lenses after the corneal transplantation procedure. The patient’s sight will slowly improve over the course of 12 to 18 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the chance of developing rejection symptoms after a corneal transplant?

It usually happens in less than 20% of cases.

Are there any alternatives to corneal transplant surgery?

Yes, a few – including contact lenses.

Are there any alternatives to using a cornea from a deceased individual?

Yes, artificial corneas are also available.