Corneal Transplant

A damaged cornea is replaced with donor tissue — either the full thickness or, increasingly, only the affected layer, which heals faster and is less likely to be rejected.

What the operation involves

Thirty minutes to two hours depending on the technique. Partial-thickness procedures replace only the inner layer; full-thickness transplants are still used where the whole cornea is scarred.

Recovery and what to expect

One to two nights in hospital, but recovery is measured in months rather than days. Vision improves gradually, stitches may stay in for a year, and steroid drops continue for many months to reduce the risk of rejection.

What you must know before travelling

Rejection can happen at any time, including years later, and it is treatable if caught early. You need an ophthalmologist at home who will see you at short notice. We will not proceed without establishing that, because a transplant with no follow-up is a transplant at risk.

What we arrange around it

Around two to three weeks here, then a written follow-up schedule for your own ophthalmologist.