Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)

minimum cost
₱ 0
maximum cost
₱ 0

Things you need to know

1.What is ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Corneal Transplant ?

.

Why do you need Corneal Transplant ?

Keratoplasty is indicated for:

  • Corneal scarring or opacity:
    • Keratoconus: Thinning and bulging of the cornea causing distorted vision.
    • Infections: Scarring from herpes keratitis, fungal, or bacterial keratitis.
    • Trauma: Injury causing corneal opacity.
  • Corneal dystrophies:
    • Fuchs’ dystrophy: Endothelial cell loss leading to corneal swelling (edema) and vision loss.
    • Lattice or granular dystrophies: Inherited conditions causing corneal clouding.
  • Corneal edema:
    • Bullous keratopathy: Swelling after cataract surgery or endothelial damage.
  • Corneal ulcers:
    • Severe, non-healing ulcers threatening perforation.
  • Failed previous transplant:
    • Graft rejection or failure requiring a repeat transplant.

The procedure aims to replace the damaged cornea (fully or partially) with a donor cornea, improving vision or alleviating pain (e.g., from edema). Types include penetrating keratoplasty (PK, full thickness) and lamellar keratoplasty (partial thickness, e.g., DSEK, DMEK).

Why Do Corneal Transplant Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Corneal Transplant Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Slit-lamp exam: Assesses corneal thickness, clarity, and extent of damage.
      • Corneal topography: Maps corneal shape (e.g., for keratoconus).
      • Specular microscopy: Evaluates endothelial cell count (for Fuchs’ dystrophy).
      • Visual acuity test: Measures vision impairment.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, infection screening (e.g., hepatitis, HIV) for donor-recipient safety.
    • Donor cornea: Sourced from eye banks (e.g., LV Prasad Eye Institute in India); tested for infections and quality.
    • Medications: Stop blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) 5–7 days prior if safe; antibiotic eye drops (e.g., moxifloxacin) 1–2 days pre-surgery.
    • Consent: Risks, including graft rejection, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK):
      • Full-thickness transplant, lasting 1–2 hours, under local or general anesthesia.
      • The entire cornea is removed using a trephine (circular cutting tool).
      • A matching donor cornea is sutured in place with fine nylon sutures (10-0, often 16–24 sutures).
      • Used for conditions affecting all corneal layers (e.g., severe keratoconus, scarring).
    • Lamellar Keratoplasty:
      • Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK):
        • Replaces only the inner endothelial layer, lasting 1–1.5 hours.
        • A thin layer of donor cornea (endothelium + Descemet’s membrane) is transplanted.
        • Used for endothelial disorders (e.g., Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy).
      • Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK):
        • More advanced, replaces only the endothelium and Descemet’s membrane.
        • Better visual outcomes than DSEK but technically challenging.
      • Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK):
        • Replaces outer and middle layers, preserving the endothelium, lasting 1–2 hours.
        • Used for keratoconus or scarring sparing the endothelium.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Trephine: Cuts the cornea (PK, DALK).
      • Air bubble: Positions donor tissue (DSEK, DMEK).
      • Operating microscope: Enhances precision.
  • After Surgery:
    • Observation: 1–2 days in hospital (PK); same-day discharge (DSEK/DMEK).
    • Eye care: Antibiotic/steroid drops (e.g., prednisolone, moxifloxacin) for 6–12 months to prevent infection and rejection.
    • Pain management: Mild discomfort managed with acetaminophen.
    • Instructions: Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting, or water exposure for 4–6 weeks; wear an eye shield at night.

Recovery After Corneal Transplant

  1. Hospital Stay: 1–2 days (PK); same-day discharge (DSEK/DMEK).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Vision: Gradual improvement; PK takes 6–12 months for stable vision (sutures removal); DSEK/DMEK improves in 1–3 months.
    • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks; normal activities (e.g., reading) in 1–2 weeks.
    • Eye care: Use prescribed drops (antibiotic/steroid) for 6–12 months; avoid water, dust, or rubbing the eye for 6 weeks.
    • Discomfort: Mild irritation or foreign body sensation for 1–2 weeks; managed with drops.
    • Glasses/Contact lenses: Often needed post-PK for astigmatism; prescribed after 3–6 months.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, then every 3–6 months for 1–2 years to monitor rejection.
    • Suture removal (PK): 6–12 months, depending on healing.

Most resume normal activities in 4–6 weeks; full visual recovery takes 6–12 months (PK) or 1–3 months (DSEK/DMEK). Success rate: 90–95% achieve improved vision (if no other eye conditions); graft survival 80–90% at 5 years.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Infection (1–2%): Endophthalmitis or keratitis; treated with antibiotics, may lead to graft failure.
    • Bleeding (1–2%): Usually mild; rare severe hemorrhage.
    • Graft rejection (10–20% in PK, 5–10% in DSEK/DMEK): Signs include redness, pain, vision loss; managed with steroids, may need repeat transplant.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Graft failure (5–10%): Due to rejection, infection, or poor donor quality; requires repeat surgery.
    • Astigmatism (20–30%, PK): Irregular corneal shape; managed with glasses, contact lenses, or suture adjustment.
    • Raised intraocular pressure (5–10%): Temporary or glaucoma; managed with drops.
    • Corneal edema (5–10%): Persistent swelling; may need repeat transplant (esp. DSEK/DMEK).
  • Long-Term:
    • Cataract (10–15%): Accelerated by surgery or steroids; may need cataract surgery later.
    • Retinal detachment (<1%): Rare; causes sudden vision loss; needs urgent surgery.

Report sudden vision loss, severe pain, redness, or discharge promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes corneal damage requiring a transplant?

Keratoconus, infections (e.g., herpes), dystrophies (e.g., Fuchs’), trauma, or complications from prior eye surgery.

Can I avoid a corneal transplant?

Yes, for early keratoconus: Glasses, contact lenses, or corneal cross-linking (CXL); advanced cases or severe scarring/edema require transplant.

Is keratoplasty painful?

No, performed under anesthesia; mild discomfort post-surgery for 1–2 weeks, managed with medication.

How soon can I resume activities?

Light activities in 1–2 weeks; normal routines in 4–6 weeks; full recovery in 1–12 months, depending on the procedure.

Is keratoplasty covered by insurance in India?

Yes, under most plans for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Sudden vision loss, severe pain, redness, or discharge.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

Often, esp. with PK (astigmatism); DSEK/DMEK may require less correction; prescribed after 3–6 months.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid rubbing the eye, use prescribed drops, wear sunglasses for UV protection, avoid contact sports, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Corneal Transplant

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

Scroll to Top