Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplant is usually the best treatment option if you have advanced keratoconus and cannot successfully use contact lenses. Keratoconus is when the cornea changes from its normal round shape to a cone shape, causing vision disorders. In advanced cases, correction with glasses or contact lenses may not be possible, and a corneal transplant may be necessary.Corneal injuries, such as those from accidents or trauma, can also necessitate a transplant if they significantly affect vision. 

Corneal ulcers due to infections that do not heal despite treatment might also be considered for transplant. Congenital or acquired corneal cloudiness can be treated with a corneal transplant. The procedure can be vital for the eye and significantly improve many individuals' quality of life.

Corneal transplant can generally be performed at any age, considering specific conditions and the overall health of the patient. While more common in adults, the procedure can also be done in children, although it can be more challenging because children's eyes continue to develop until a certain age, and post-surgery follow-up and treatment can be more difficult.

When deciding on a corneal transplant, the degree of corneal damage, the patient's overall health, and potential risks are evaluated. For example, the procedure is recommended for patients with advanced corneal damage where other treatment methods are not viable. Also, some systemic diseases or other eye-related issues may prevent a corneal transplant.

Complete recovery depends on the type of corneal transplant and can vary from a few months to a year or longer. Initially, your vision will be blurry for the first few months, which is normal. Vision generally improves significantly within the first few weeks, but achieving final results may take several months.

The first few days after the operation are usually the most critical period. During this time, symptoms like pain, blurriness, and light sensitivity in the eye can occur. The risk of the eye rejecting the new cornea is also higher during this period, so it is very important to take the prescribed medication regularly and not miss follow-ups.

As your vision improves, you will gradually be able to return to your normal daily activities. Heavy exercise and lifting are prohibited for the first few weeks. Your doctor will also advise a specific timeline for returning to work, school, or other activities.

For several months, you will be prescribed steroid eye drops along with other medications to help control infection, discomfort, and swelling and assist your body in accepting the new cornea graft. As with any surgery, always follow your eye surgeon's instructions to minimize complications and speed up recovery.

There has been a significant increase in organ and corneal transplant numbers in Turkey. According to the data from the Ministry of Health, from 2010 to November 2023, a total of 74,704 organ transplants have been performed in Turkey, including 37,666 corneal transplants. These numbers indicate significant progress in the field of organ transplantation in Turkey.

Post-transplant vision rates vary depending on many factors, including the pre-transplant condition of the cornea, the patient's overall health, and the post-surgical healing process. Generally, vision rates after corneal transplants show positive outcomes, with many patients achieving better vision after the procedure. However, individual results can vary.

According to an announcement by a Eye Bank in Turkey, the success rate of corneal transplant surgeries is in the 90s percentage. In light of this information, it can be said that corneal transplant procedures in Turkey have high success rates. 

However, it's important to consider that results can vary for each patient and case. Achieving this success rate requires patients to regularly attend check-ups and adhere to their medication regimen.