Procedure guide · Ophthalmology (cornea)
A corneal transplant replaces all or part of a damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a deceased donor. The NHS says it is usually done when glasses or contact lenses no longer help vision, or when there is pain. The operation itself is short. The aftercare is long, with drops and follow-up that continue after you return home.
What is a corneal transplant?
The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. The NHS describes three broad approaches. The surgeon can replace only the inner layer, through a small opening, with an air bubble holding the graft in place. They can replace the outer and middle layers. Or they can replace the whole cornea. The donor cornea comes from someone who has died and donated it, and it is checked before use.
The NHS says the operation is usually done with a local anaesthetic and numbing drops, sometimes with a sedative, or under general anaesthetic. Most people go home the same day, though some stay in hospital briefly.
Who may be suitable for a corneal transplant?
The NHS lists conditions that can damage the cornea. These include keratoconus, where the cornea thins and changes shape, and Fuchs’ dystrophy, an inherited condition that clouds the cornea. Severe infection, eye injury and complications after cataract surgery are also listed. Which graft type suits you depends on which layers are affected. A cornea specialist decides after examining your eye. Some conditions may first be managed in other ways.
Donor tissue in India
Corneas come from deceased donors through eye banks. IndiaMedica never sources donor tissue. The hospital arranges the graft through its own eye bank links and should explain its process to you.
What reports does a cornea specialist ask for?
- Your diagnosis and the eye doctor’s notes describing the cornea
- Corneal maps or thickness measurements if you have had them
- Glasses and contact lens history, including specialist lenses
- Notes of any earlier eye surgery, including cataract surgery or a previous graft
- Details of past eye infections or injuries
- Your general health conditions and medicines
How should you plan the trip?
The NHS describes a patch removed the next day and a follow-up visit in the first week. Stitches are left in place for several months and removed gradually at later visits. Steroid and antibiotic drops are used daily, and some continue long term to reduce the risk of the transplant failing.
- Assessment and confirmation of the graft type
- Surgery and a next-day check
- Early review visits in India
- Before flying: ask the surgeon when it is safe, especially if an air bubble was used
- Home: a cornea or eye specialist who will remove stitches and monitor the graft
The NHS advises lying on your back as much as possible for a short time after inner-layer grafts. An attendant is helpful for this period and for drops. Plan, before you travel, who will provide follow-up care at home. Graft care continues long after you leave India.
What should you ask the eye hospital?
- Which graft type do you recommend for my eye and why?
- How do you obtain donor corneas and how is tissue checked?
- When will it be safe for me to fly home?
- Who will remove my stitches and when?
- Which drops will I need long term and can I get them at home?
- What should I do if I notice signs of rejection after I leave?
IndiaMedica can help gather reports and compare plans. The treating surgeon decides on suitability and timing.
Questions people ask
What are the signs of corneal graft rejection?
The NHS lists a red eye, eye pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and new floaters, flashes or a dark shadow. Rejection can happen at any time after surgery. The NHS says it can usually be treated with steroids if found quickly. Contact your eye team straight away if you notice these signs.
Will I still need glasses after a corneal transplant?
Often yes. The NHS says vision improves gradually and glasses or contact lenses are usually still needed. Your specialist will tell you how your vision is likely to change and when to have new glasses made.
Why does the hospital ask about follow-up at home?
Because care continues for a long time. The NHS describes stitches removed gradually at later visits and follow-up that continues for a long time. An eye specialist near home must be able to see you. Arrange this before you travel.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.