Understanding Eye Transplant Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Corneal Transplantation?

A corneal transplant is a procedure to remove damaged cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue. A corneal transplant is frequently known as keratoplasty or corneal graft. It can be used to recover sight, treat severe infection, correct the damage, and relieve pain. Eye transplant cost in various countries differs due to the expertise of the Ophthalmologist and other factors such as Duration of stay in the hospital, availability of cornea, and many others.

Why would a Person need Cornea Transplantation?

Corneal transplants are typically done to correct eyesight problems that have occurred due to certain medical conditions. Some of the most common reasons for needing a cornea
transplant include:

Keratoconus: Keratoconus is a condition that makes the cornea thinner, weaken, and change shape. Approximately from 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 10,000 people are affected by this condition. The exact reason for the condition is not known. There may be a hereditary link, and it’s more common in people with various allergic conditions, like asthma and eczema.

Keratoconus is one of the most common causes of corneal transplantation in younger patients. It doesn’t commonly become visible until the early teens, however, can sometimes happen earlier. Most of the cases of keratoconus are mild and can be controlled by using glasses or contact lenses. However, in some patients, it can develop to the point where a cornea transplant is required.

Degenerative Conditions: Few conditions might affect the eyes and cause them to gradually develop problems over time. For example in Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, the functioning of the cells lining the inner cornea which is called the endothelium starts to weaken. This occurs faster as you get older. As the cells deteriorate, instead of clearing excess fluid, they allow it to build up, leading to cloudy vision.

Other Reasons: A cornea transplant may also be performed if:

• A small hole appears in the cornea as a result of damage (called as a corneal tear)
• Cornea infection that does not respond to antibiotics and keeps coming back
• The cornea is damaged due to an infection or injury

What is the Average Cost of Corneal Transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is one of the most effectively achieved tissue transplant techniques. Corneal transplant recipients usually need shorter hospital stays (in few cases, just 2 hours), lower hospital charges, and frequently require only topical immunosuppressive therapy.

Your overall health is one reason that can affect the total cost of the corneal transplant. The risks associated with surgery increase if you have any underlying health issues. A general health examination will be done during the consultation period to measure the level of risk involved in the surgery for a Corneal Transplant. Existing conditions could lead to the cost of cornea transplant being higher.

The estimated average cost per patient of corneal transplantation globally comprises around $1,300 to $14,807.

Eye Transplant Surgery in Different Countries

A cornea transplant is one of the most common transplant treatments globally and approximately all major hospitals in major cities across the globe give this facility. Although the cost of cornea graft per eye is the highest in the USA at USD 17500, other affordable destinations comprise Turkey at USD 7000, Thailand at USD 3600, Singapore at USD 5000 and United Arab Emirates (UAE) at USD 6000. The cornea transplant surgery cost is the cheapest in India at only USD 2800.

Advantages of Cornea Transplant in Each Country

Eye Transplant Cost in India: The country is famous for ophthalmology procedures, particularly keratoplasty. Eye clinics here are recognized for maintaining strict safety standards such as conducting multiple tests to check for eye clarity and identify viruses, if any, prior to the transplantation. Thousands of medical tourists visit the country every year to get the eye surgeries done at cheap prices, because of the multifold rise in outpatient clinics in the country.

Eye Transplant Cost in Thailand: Thailand has over 35 JCI accredited hospitals and clinics, which have an over 95% success rate in eye surgeries. Hospitals in cities like Pattaya and Phuket are fortified with state-of-the-art technologies like high-speed lasers to achieve corneal transplants, which greatly decrease the recovery time and let the early suture removal.

Eye Transplant Cost in Singapore: Hospitals in Singapore do special procedures such as Endothelial Keratoplasty to treat corneal ailments, with a graft survival rate close to 100%. The country is recognized to follow high-quality standards in cornea grafting and retrieval, making it one of the most chosen destinations for the technique. The existence of high tech research labs in the country has led to innovations such as suture less and minimally invasive corneal transplant surgery, which has the least risk of complications.

Eye Transplant Cost in Turkey: Turkey has many other advantages, mainly in the form of good quality treatment comparable to that found in the First World, faster access to healthcare, and a chance to recuperate in a typical holiday-like setting. There are various state-of-the-art hospitals in Turkey, most of them are JCI accredited, as well as many experienced surgeons and doctors who will enthusiastically attend to patient’s concerns.

Eye Transplant Cost in U.A.E : UAE has top experienced eye surgeons and doctors with state-of-the-art technology and up-to-date equipment. It provides the best patient care and international expertize with amazing results. Many hospitals have started providing services designed for Corneal Transplant to make the process easier for international patients. Many services comprise translation and interpretation, airport transfers, car rental, caretaker services, and hotel booking. These hospitals aid to take care of logistics so that the patient can focus on recovery post-Corneal Transplant surgery.

Best Corneal Transplant Surgeons in Different Countries

Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in India | Video Consultation

 

Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in India | Without Video Consultation

• DR. Hemant Todkar, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune
• Dr. Vivek Garg, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in Turkey | Video Consultation

 

Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in Turkey | Without Video Consultation

 

Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in the United Arab Emirates | Without Video Consultation