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Duration: 1–2 hours
Clinic Stay: Outpatient or 1-night stay (depends on type of transplant)
Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia
Recovery Duration: Initial healing within 2–4 weeks; full recovery up to 12 months
Back to work: 1–2 weeks, depending on visual recovery
A cornea transplant, or keratoplasty, involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. This procedure is vital for restoring clear vision in patients suffering from corneal scarring, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, or serious infections. Depending on the condition and depth of corneal damage, patients may undergo a full-thickness transplant (penetrating keratoplasty) or a partial-thickness transplant such as DALK, DSAEK, or DMEK.
Restoring vision blurred by scarring or thinning of the cornea
Reducing pain or discomfort caused by swollen or damaged corneal tissue
Improving quality of life when contact lenses or glasses are no longer effective
Preventing further degeneration from conditions like keratoconus or Fuchs’ dystrophy
You have significant corneal damage from injury, disease, or degeneration
Other treatments (medications, contacts) have not restored vision
You are healthy enough to undergo eye surgery and follow post-op care
You are motivated for recovery and follow-up care over the next months
Your journey begins with a full pre-operative evaluation, including scans and corneal measurements. Here’s what typically happens:
Diagnostic imaging and eye mapping
Selection of the appropriate transplant type
Administration of local or general anesthesia
Removal of the damaged corneal tissue
Placement and suturing of the donor cornea
Post-surgery medication and protective eye shield
The entire procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on the complexity and technique used.
Before you arrive:
Online consultation with our in-country advocate and ophthalmologist
Review of your medical history and eye scans (if available)
Pre-travel briefing and personalized itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival day:
Welcome at airport by your advocate
Transport to your hotel
Welcome briefing and Q&A
Day 2 – Consultation & Scans:
Visit to the ophthalmology clinic
Eye scans, measurements, and confirmation of transplant plan
Scheduling of surgery and medication briefing
Day 3 – Surgery Day:
Transport to surgical facility
Pre-op preparations and consent
Procedure performed by corneal specialist
Post-op observation and rest
Day 4 – Initial Follow-Up:
Return to clinic for post-surgery check
Eye cleaning, medication review, and next steps
Day 5 – Travel Prep:
Final follow-up
Instructions for continued care and international return
Transport to airport with assistance
Before Treatment:
Detailed consultation and evaluation of corneal health
Eye scans, history review, and transplant planning
Pre-operative instructions and medication plan
During Treatment:
Local or general anesthesia for comfort
Removal of damaged corneal tissue
Grafting and suturing of donor tissue with microsurgical precision
Protective eye shield applied after surgery
After Treatment:
Blurry vision is common in the first few days
Medication to prevent rejection and infection
Vision improves gradually over weeks to months
Sutures may be removed after a few months (if applicable)
First 24 Hours
Rest with minimal eye movement
Use prescribed drops and wear protective shield
Avoid heavy lifting, rubbing eyes, or bending over
Week 1
Gradual visual improvement
Follow-up exam with specialist
Continued use of eye drops and care routine
Month 1
Vision becomes clearer; monitor for signs of rejection
Return to daily activities, except high-risk or contact sports
Follow medical guidance closely
Long-term Results
Most patients achieve significantly improved vision
Glasses or contact lenses may still be needed
Full healing takes 6–12 months depending on the transplant type
Lifelong eye care is essential to preserve results
In-country ground transportation
In-country attendance service
Stay at a comfortable 5 Star Accommodation
Consultations with experienced ophthalmologists
Cornea transplant procedure
Travel insurance
We understand that traveling abroad for medical care can raise many questions. That’s why we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries about our services.
Yes. When performed by an experienced corneal surgeon, it’s a safe and effective procedure with high success rates.
Full-thickness replaces the entire cornea (PK), while partial methods (DALK, DMEK) target only the damaged layers, resulting in quicker recovery and fewer complications.
No. You’ll receive anesthesia during surgery. Post-op discomfort is minimal and managed with medication.
Initial improvement can be seen within weeks, but full clarity may take 6–12 months depending on the procedure.
Usually, cornea transplants are done one eye at a time to monitor recovery before addressing the second eye.
The information provided here within should not be construed in any way as medical guidance or advice. Please consult with your medical professional. This content is for informative purposes only and may be subject to updates or changes.
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