Can corneal transplants be rejected?

The cornea is an immune-privileged organ with relatively low rejection rates, but rejection is still possible. PKP rejection rate is approximately 10-20%; lamellar techniques have lower rates. Long-term proper use of immunosuppressive eye drops significantly reduces rejection risk. If caught early, most rejections can be reversed.

How much vision improvement can be expected?

Depends on the underlying condition and postoperative astigmatism. PKP may result in significant astigmatism requiring spectacle correction or secondary refractive surgery. Overall, most patients achieve significant visual improvement.

Treatment Procedure

Ophthalmic Surgery

Corneal Transplantation

Penetrating KeratoplastyLamellar KeratoplastyCorneal Graft

Surgery to replace diseased corneal tissue with a healthy donor cornea, the definitive treatment for severe corneal diseases and vision restoration.

Corneal transplantation replaces a patient's diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue. Depending on the layers affected, options include penetrating keratoplasty (PKP, full-thickness replacement), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK, preserving host endothelium), or posterior lamellar keratoplasty (DSAEK/DMEK, replacing only the endothelium). China has a well-established corneal donation system and eye bank network, with mature transplantation techniques at first-tier city hospitals. Long-term immunosuppressive eye drops are needed postoperatively to prevent rejection.

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Quick Reference

Treatment

1 hours – 2 hours

Observation

3 days – 0.2 months

Est. Cost

¥3,657.83 – ¥10,241.91

Department

Ophthalmology

1 hours – 2 hoursDuration

¥3,657.83 – ¥10,241.91Cost

Who Is This For

Is Corneal Transplantation Right for You?

Good Candidates

Corneal scarring severely affecting vision (post-infection, post-trauma)
Advanced keratoconus (contact lenses ineffective)
Corneal endothelial decompensation (bullous keratopathy)
Corneal dystrophies
Corneal perforation requiring emergency repair

May Not Be Suitable

Uncontrolled active ocular infection
Severe dry eye unable to maintain graft survival
Absolute glaucoma (complete vision loss)
Untreated severe ocular surface disease

Step-by-Step Process

How Corneal Transplantation Works

Donor cornea preparation

Prepare appropriately sized and thickness graft from eye bank donor cornea based on surgical technique.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia or retrobulbar block.

Diseased cornea removal

Trephine excision of the patient's diseased corneal tissue (full-thickness or partial).

Graft placement

Place the donor corneal graft onto the recipient bed.

Suture fixation

Secure graft with 10-0 nylon interrupted or continuous sutures (PKP typically 16 sutures).

Anterior chamber restoration

Inject balanced salt solution or air bubble to restore the anterior chamber and confirm wound seal.

Single procedure. Long-term follow-up and immunosuppressive medication required. Sutures typically removed progressively over 12-18 months.

Cost Information

Cost Estimate for Corneal Transplantation

Estimated Price Range

¥3,657.83 – ¥10,241.91

What's Included

Public tier-3A International Medical Department: approximately ¥25,000-45,000 (including corneal material); premium private eye centers: approximately ¥40,000-70,000. Corneal material costs vary by source. Posterior lamellar techniques (DSAEK/DMEK) carry slightly higher fees due to technical demands.

Before Your Visit

What to Prepare

Required Tests & Examinations

If you already have recent valid test results, bring the reports. If not, these assessments can usually be completed in China before the procedure.

Slit-lamp examination

Corneal endothelial cell count

IOP measurement

B-scan ultrasound (posterior segment assessment)

Systemic workup to rule out surgical contraindications

Documents & Materials to Bring

Required to Bring

Passport and valid visa

Previous ophthalmic treatment records

Systemic health examination report

Companion & Support

Accompaniment needed before and after surgery. Family support during hospitalization.

After Treatment

Recovery & Follow-Up

Strictly protect the operated eye; wear eye shield

Visual recovery is slow, potentially months to a year

Long-term steroid and immunosuppressive eye drops (typically 1+ year)

Monitor regularly for rejection signs (redness, vision loss, pain)

Avoid rubbing eyes and impacts

Seek immediate care if sutures loosen or break

Follow-Up Schedule

Follow-up at day 1, week 1, week 2, month 1, then every 1-2 months. Long-term every 3-6 months.

Related Conditions

Conditions This Procedure Treats

Keratitis

Corneal inflammation caused by infectious or non-infectious factors, potentially leading to corneal perforation and vision loss in severe cases.

Learn more

Keratoconus

A progressive corneal thinning and cone-shaped protrusion disorder causing irregular astigmatism and vision loss.

Learn more

Ready to Plan Corneal Transplantation in China?

Let Carevia help you find the right hospital, coordinate your treatment, and arrange every detail of your medical trip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Our care coordinators can help you assess whether this procedure fits your situation.