Corneal Transplant in Iran

Corneal Transplant Surgery Package in Iran

A corneal transplant in Iran is a high-quality yet affordable eye surgery in which the damaged part of the patient’s cornea, and sometimes the entire cornea, is removed and replaced with a new, healthy one. A corneal transplant in Iran normally costs around $ 2000 to $ 3500 for each eye, and considering the risk of organ rejection, the ultimate cost can increase further.

The cornea is the transplant dome-shaped surface of the eye which is responsible for vision by focusing light into the eye. When damaged, it cannot do its role properly resulting in blurred vision. If the damage is unrepairable, a corneal transplantation could be the solution.

Age Limit for Corneal Transplant Surgery Patients Should Be Older than 40 Years.

Why a Corneal Transplant in Iran?

Iran is a common choice among international patients seeking advanced corneal transplants. Specialized well-developed eye hospitals in larger cities like Tehran and Shiraz, qualified globally known ophthalmologists, advanced eye surgical techniques, and the increasing demand for high-quality corneal transplants at affordable prices have made Iran a popular medical travel destination. In Iran, corneal transplant is performed by highly experienced and trained doctors using the most advanced technology in the world. Iranian ophthalmic surgeons have the highest level of expertise and experience among international surgeons. Over 2,500 specialist ophthalmic surgeons are currently performing corneal transplant surgeries in Iran and the scientific level of these physicians is in line with that of European and American surgeons.

Why Choose Iran for Corneal Transplant?

• Being a pioneer in eye surgeries

• Novel transplant techniques

• Internationally recognized eye surgeons

• Experienced eye care professionals

• Well-equipped transplant centers and eye banks

• Reasonable price

 

Central Eye Bank of Iran

Central Eye Bank of Iran was established in 1988 with the aim of research and education in the field of scleral and corneal transplants in Iran, taken from brain-dead organ donors in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and other legal entities.

Today, Iran Eye Bank is among the top 10 eye banks in the world regarding artificial cornea production, with over 7,000 corneal transplants annually.

Iran has become self-sufficient in corneal transplants and people do not need to wait on the long waiting lists and they can usually have the surgery in 1-2 weeks. For a corneal transplant surgery, the recipient and donor should not necessarily be relatives.

Corneal Transplant Surgical Procedure

Before corneal transplant surgery, also known as keratoplasty, some necessary pre-operative tests and eye examinations should be carried out. Before the patient is hospitalized, the hospital usually communicates with the Eye Bank to reserve the cornea. If the suitable cornea for the corneal transplantation may not be available in the Eye Bank on the day of surgery, it is postponed to another day. The surgery is done under general anesthesia. Thanks to the rich eye bank of Iran, you do not have to wait for a long time most of the time.

Before surgery, the eye is numbed. The damaged part of the cornea is removed by surgical devices and a portion of the donated cornea that matches is replaced and stitched by suture. If the endothelium (the innermost layer of the cornea) is damaged, it is removed and the inner layer of the donated cornea is replaced and attached by an injected air bubble into the eye. Finally, the doctor covers the patient’s eye with a shield.

The surgery can take 2 to 4 hours depending on the severity of the damage.

Most patients should stay in the hospital for one night or two after a Full Thickness cornea transplant. But they may be allowed to leave the hospital the same day if they have a Partial corneal transplant.

The waiting list for a corneal transplant is not usually as long as other organs because it does not need tissue cloning.

There are two main kinds of corneal transplant:

1. Full-thickness corneal transplant: when the cornea is badly damaged and the entire cornea needs to be replaced. This is also called Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK).

2. Partial corneal transplant: when the front or middle layers of the cornea are damaged, only those layers should be replaced. This transplant is called Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) or Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK).

3. Endothelial Keratoplasty: when the endothelium (the innermost layer of the cornea) is damaged, the new tissue is set up while most of the cornea is left untouched.

4. Femtosecond Laser Corneal Transplant: using a laser to remove and shape the cornea. This method is less invasive with fewer post-op complications and a faster recovery time.

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What Causes Corneal Disease?

• Injuries

• Eye diseases (such as corneal hump, and Fuchs dystrophy)

• Infections

• Previous eye surgeries

• Keratoconus (when the cornea loses its curved shape to a conical shape leading to blurry vision. If it is not treated by a corneal implant- using contact lenses- a corneal transplant may be advised.)

• Unhealthy endothelium (the inner layer of the cornea)

• Damaged stroma (the middle layer of the cornea)

• Damaged epithelium (the exterior layer of the cornea)

 

Duration of Your Stay in Iran

14-40 days, based on your ophthalmologist’s recommendation for follow-up visits.

Cost of Corneal Transplant in Iran

The cost of a corneal transplant in Iran varies depending on the medical center’s reputation and the surgeon’s proficiency.

Corneal transplantation in Iran for one eye, with corneal tissue included, normally costs between $2000 to $3500 and above (with a Femtosecond device).

Who Are NOT Good Candidates for Corneal Transplant Surgery

Patients who have no acute corneal problems, according to the diagnosis of an ophthalmologist.

Who Can Be a Candidate for Corneal Transplant Surgery in Iran

Corneal transplant surgery can be applied to:

• Individuals with severe corneal ulcer disease.

• Individuals with disorders in the corneal structure due to congenital diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy.

• People with serious damage such as thinning and tearing of the corneal tissue.

• Individuals with a condition known as keratoconus, characterized by an outward curving of the cornea.

• Individuals with irreparable corneal damage due to infection or physical trauma.

• Individuals who have lost viable tissue in their corneas due to reasons such as corneal edema.

Pre-Operative Preparation

1. Medical tests and eye exams, including measuring the cornea size, blood tests, imaging, overall health, refraction, corneal topography, ophthalmoscopy, ultrasound imaging, and visual field testing.

2. Doctor’s consultation regarding the patient’s medical history and complications and over-the-counter medicines you take

3. Stop taking blood-thinner drugs, such as aspirin

4. Stop eating and drinking after midnight on the night before surgery

5. Wearing loose comfortable clothes on the day of surgery

6. Keeping your face free of makeup and creams

7. Supply of the deceased donor’s corneal tissue

8. Patient hospitalization

9. Carrying out clinical trials and examinations

10. Arranging for someone to drive you home or to the hotel after the surgery

Post-Operative Care

1. A visit to the doctor to take the necessary instructions.

2. Take eye drops and medications according to the doctor’s instructions.

3. Avoid rubbing your treated aye.

4. Wear large sunglasses or eyeglasses with resistant glass or an eye shield to protect the eye from sun exposure and prevent damage to the eye.

5. Avoid major contact sports such as wrestling, judo, and soccer where there is a chance of eye injuries.

6. Avoid activities where the eye may be poked, rubbed, or touched.

7. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.

8. When you are swimming or doing physical activities, be sure to wear protective eyewear.

9. Be careful not to get water in your eyes while taking a bath or a shower for at least a month.

10. Don’t drive until your doctor recognizes it is possible.

11. Feeling itchiness, irritation, swelling, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision is usually normal for 2 to 3 weeks.

12. The full recovery can last from 1 month to 1 year. But if you still feel a hazy vision, it could be a sign of rejection of the transplanted tissue and you must consult your ophthalmologist.

 

Corneal Transplant Risks & Complications

• Itching,

• Irritation,

• Swelling,

• Sensitivity to light,

• Bloodshot eyes,

• Blurry vision,

• Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyeball),

• Damage to the surrounding structures,

• Retinal problems,

• Organ rejection

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Corneal Transplant in Iran

1. Is corneal transplant safe?

Yes, it is, but as with any other transplant surgery, it could have possible risks, such as organ rejection, sensitivity to light, detached retina, and increased pressure in the eye. However, some of these side effects could be controlled if noticed on time.

2. How long does it take for a full recovery?

Most side effects will last about 2 weeks. However, the full recovery can last from 1 month to 1 year.

3. When can I go back to work after a corneal transplant?

Depending on your job and whether you work with a computer, the surgeon will advise when you can back to work. However, most people can return to work after 1 to 2 weeks.

4. How long does a corneal transplant last?

The improved vision usually lasts up to 10 years or more. However, it is important to note that the longevity of a corneal transplant depends much on how individuals protect their eyes. You should attend all recommended follow-up visits and post-op recommendations.

5. How is a cornea transplant performed?

Cornea transplant surgery is performed under local anesthesia and in sterile operating room conditions. Thus, the operation is performed safely and painlessly. Sometimes, the anesthesia method used during the operation may differ. This operation is performed using an advanced technique called the big-bubble technique. Using the mentioned technique, the worn corneal tissue is removed and replaced with functional corneal tissue.

6. Can corneal transplant cure blindness?

Corneal transplant aims at improving vision in those who have lost their visual abilities due to corneal diseases or injuries. If the blindness has resulted from such conditions, the surgeon treats it by replacing a damaged cornea with a healthy one.

7. How Many Stitches Are In A Corneal Transplant?

This is the most invasive type of transplant since the entire cornea is replaced and 15-20 stitches may be required.