A corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, is a vision-restoring procedure where a damaged cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue. Turkey has become a leading destination for this surgery due to its advanced eye banks, skilled surgeons, and high success rates. Istanbul European Clinic offers comprehensive care to help you regain visual clarity safely and affordably.
OVERVIEW
Procedure
Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
Duration
1 – 2 hours
Length of Stay in Hospital
1 – 2 nights (varies by case)
Anesthesia
Local or General Anesthesia
Cost in Turkey
€4,000 – €12,000 (Typical Range)
Success Rate
70% – 90% (Graft Survival)
Final Results
12 – 18 months for full stabilization
Scars
Microscopic (usually not visible to naked eye)
Pain
Mild to moderate discomfort post-op
Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif
Written by Abdulaziz Ali
Published on December 26, 2025 12:00 am
TABLE OF CONTENT
Benefits of Corneal Transplant in Turkey
Access to Advanced Techniques and Technology Clinics in Turkey are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform various types of transplants, including Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) and less invasive partial transplants like DMEK or DSEK. This versatility ensures that your specific condition—whether it is keratoconus or scarring—is treated with the most appropriate surgical method for faster recovery.
Experienced Surgeons and Accredited Facilities You gain access to highly trained ophthalmologists who frequently perform complex corneal surgeries, often exceeding the case volumes of surgeons in other countries. Many facilities, including Istanbul European Clinic, operate within internationally accredited hospitals that adhere to strict hygiene and safety protocols comparable to those in the EU or US.
Cost-Effective Medical Packages Traveling for corneal transplant surgery turkey allows you to receive premium medical care at a fraction of the cost found in Western Europe or North America. Comprehensive packages often bundle the surgery, hospital stay, medication, and VIP transfers, providing a seamless experience without hidden financial burdens.
Corneal Transplant Cost in Turkey Compared to Other Countries
The following table compares the estimated costs for corneal transplant procedures. Prices in Turkey are generally lower due to lower operational costs and government support for medical tourism, not a lack of quality.
Country
Typical Range (€)
Turkey
€4,000 – €12,000
United Kingdom
€20,000 – €30,000
USA
€25,000 – €40,000+
Note: Prices vary significantly by case complexity, technique (full vs. partial), and clinic choice; please request a personalized quote for accuracy.
How to Choose Safe, Reputable Clinics and Surgeons for Corneal Transplant in Turkey
Surgeon Credentials & Experience
Verify that your surgeon is board-certified and has a specific fellowship or extensive track record in corneal surgery. Ask about their experience with the specific type of transplant you need (e.g., DALK, DMEK) to ensure they are specialized in that technique.
Clinic Standards & Accreditations
Look for clinics operating within JCI (Joint Commission International) or ISO-accredited hospitals. These accreditations guarantee that the facility meets rigorous global standards for patient safety, sterilization, and operational quality.
Before/After Evidence & Case Similarity
Review the surgeon’s portfolio for cases similar to yours. Authentic photos should show clear lighting and consistent angles. While visual acuity is the main goal, the physical appearance of the eye in the photos can indicate surgical precision.
What to Consider Before Getting a Corneal Transplant in Turkey
Medical Eligibility & Health History
Your doctor will review your ocular history and general health to ensure you can undergo anesthesia. Conditions like active eye infections or severe glaucoma may need to be managed before a transplant is considered safe.
Expect comprehensive eye exams, including corneal topography and thickness measurements, upon arrival. You will be advised to stop wearing contact lenses and certain medications, such as blood thinners, weeks before the surgery.
Plan to stay in Turkey for at least 7–10 days to allow for initial recovery and mandatory follow-up checks. It is strongly recommended to bring a companion, as your vision will be blurry, and you will need assistance with daily activities immediately after surgery.
You will likely wear a protective eye shield and experience light sensitivity or mild pain, which is managed with prescribed medication. Mobility is generally fine, but you must avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or straining to prevent increased eye pressure.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the transplant type. However, you must avoid swimming, dusty environments, and contact sports for several months to protect the graft.
Diagnosed Condition: Patients with keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, corneal scarring, or corneal edema that has not responded to conservative treatments.
Good General Health: Individuals free from systemic diseases that could interfere with healing or anesthesia safety.
Realistic Expectations: Candidates who understand that vision improvement is gradual and may still require glasses or contact lenses post-surgery.
Commitment to Aftercare: Patients willing to adhere strictly to a regimen of steroid eye drops for months or years to prevent organ rejection.
Non-Smokers: Smoking delays healing; ideal candidates are non-smokers or those willing to quit prior to the procedure.
Corneal Transplant in Turkey Results
Corneal transplant success rate turkey is generally high, with graft survival rates ranging between 70% and 90% depending on the specific condition and transplant type. Patient satisfaction is typically linked to the restoration of functional vision and the reduction of pain. However, results vary by individual biology; rejection is a possibility that requires lifelong vigilance.
Corneal Transplant Turkey Recovery Time
Corneal Transplant 1 Week Post Op: Your eye will be covered with a patch or shield, and you may experience itching, mild pain, and significant blurriness. It is crucial to use antibiotic and steroid drops exactly as prescribed and attend follow-up exams to check for infection.
Corneal Transplant 3 Weeks Post Op: Swelling typically begins to subside, and you may feel more comfortable, though vision will still be fluctuating. You can usually return to light daily activities, but you must continue to avoid rubbing your eye or lifting heavy weights.
Corneal Transplant 3 – 6 Months Post Op: Vision continues to improve as the cornea heals and takes its final shape. Depending on the technique used (e.g., PK vs. DSEK), your doctor may begin to remove some stitches to reduce astigmatism and refine your vision.
Corneal Transplant 1 Year Post Op: By this stage, the eye is usually fully healed, and the final visual outcome is achieved. While you may still need corrective lenses, the structural integrity of the eye is stable. Regular annual check-ups remain essential to monitor graft health.
Corneal Transplant in Turkey Before and After
Before the surgery, patients often struggle with cloudy, distorted vision or pain that limits daily life. After a successful corneal transplant istanbul procedure, the goal is a clear cornea that allows light to focus properly. While “after” results take months to fully manifest, patients typically experience a significant restoration of visual function and quality of life. Note: Individual healing times and visual outcomes vary; consult your surgeon for realistic predictions.
How Does The Corneal Transplant Turkey Procedure Work?
The process begins with a detailed examination by your surgeon at Istanbul European Clinic or a partner hospital. They will map your cornea, assess the damage, and determine if a full or partial transplant is best for you.
You will undergo blood tests and specific ocular imaging to ensure donor tissue compatibility and surgical safety. This stage confirms there are no underlying infections that could jeopardize the transplant.
Under local or general anesthesia, the surgeon removes the damaged corneal tissue using precise instruments or lasers. The healthy donor cornea is then placed and secured with ultra-fine stitches (for full thickness) or an air bubble (for partial transplants).
You will be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours before being discharged with a protective eye shield. You will receive a kit containing eye drops and detailed instructions on how to protect your eye during sleep and showering.
A mandatory check-up occurs the next day to measure eye pressure and ensure the graft is in position. Subsequent visits over the next few days confirm that healing is progressing without infection before you are cleared to fly home
Side Effects of Corneal Transplant in Turkey
Graft Rejection: The body’s immune system may attack the new cornea (redness, pain, loss of vision).
Infection: Risk of internal or surface eye infection post-surgery.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye, often due to steroid medication.
Astigmatism: Irregular curvature of the new cornea requiring glasses or contacts.
Retinal Detachment: A rare but serious complication affecting the back of the eye.
Cataract Formation: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens may accelerate after surgery.
What our PATIENTS say
tuba çetin
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Samimi, profesyonel ve ilgili bir ekip. Güvenle tercih edilebilir.
Lale Gökdemir
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After two pregnancies, I wanted to restore my abdominal area. IEC arranged the consultation, surgery, and even accommodation. The clinic staff were attentive and the surgeon was very skilled, explaining each stage in detail. The recovery plan was strict but clear, and now my stomach looks flat and toned again. I couldn’t be more satisfied with both the results and the care provided.
Sofia Martinez
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My Lipo 360 with IEC was organized end-to-end — transfers, clinic, and a clear recovery plan. Surgeons were experienced and the nursing team checked on me regularly. After following the aftercare, swelling reduced as expected and the contour is much improved. Professional and reassuring experience.
İlayda
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What I loved most about Istanbul European Clinic was the personal attention I received. The team genuinely cared about my comfort and well-being, not just the procedure. The facility itself was beautiful and modern, and everything was run very smoothly. A fantastic experience overall!
Jessica White
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
IEC offers outstanding service — very reliable, organized, and caring. They made sure all details were taken care of, and I could focus on my treatment and recovery without worry. A great choice for health tourism.
Marvin Hugh
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My experience with IEC in Turkey was fantastic. They handled everything from consultation to follow-up in a professional and stress-free way. I always felt well-informed and supported, which made the whole process so much easier.
Gisel H.
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Did teeth whitening at IEC before my wedding. Color changed like 3 shades whiter, friends noticed right away. Price was fair, very happy with the result ✨
Deniz
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I had eye surgery at IEC two weeks ago. clinic was modern and equipment looked new. Receptionist english not perfect but we managed fine.
The corneal transplant cost turkey typically ranges from €4,000 to €12,000. This price varies depending on the type of transplant (full vs. partial), the surgeon’s expertise, and the hospital facilities. It is significantly more affordable than in the UK or US.
Turkey is considered one of the best places due to its high volume of surgeries, experienced surgeons, and accredited eye banks. Istanbul, in particular, is a hub for medical tourism, offering world-class clinics like Istanbul European Clinic.
Yes, a corneal transplant can last 20 years or more, especially if the patient adheres to post-operative care and avoids rejection. However, the lifespan of the graft depends on the condition treated and the type of transplant performed.
While generally safe, it carries risks like any major eye surgery. The primary risk is graft rejection, which occurs in about 10% to 20% of cases but can often be reversed with medication. Infection and glaucoma are other potential risks.
There is no specific “best” age; the surgery is performed on infants to elderly patients depending on need. However, younger patients may have a more active immune system, slightly increasing rejection risk, requiring closer monitoring.
If the blindness is caused solely by corneal disease (like scarring or keratoconus) and the retina and optic nerve are healthy, yes, a transplant can restore vision. It cannot cure blindness caused by retinal or optic nerve damage.
Yes, artificial corneas (keratoprosthesis) are available for patients who are not good candidates for traditional donor transplants or have had multiple failed grafts. They are less common and typically used in complex cases.
The surgery itself is painless due to anesthesia. Post-operative pain is usually mild to moderate and feels like a scratching sensation or foreign body in the eye, which is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Patients with severe retinal damage, optic nerve atrophy, active uncontrollable infections, or those unable to comply with the strict long-term follow-up and medication regimen are generally not good candidates.
The safest approach is to book through a reputable facilitator or directly with an accredited provider like Istanbul European Clinic. Ensure your package includes transfers, verified accommodation, and a clear medical itinerary to minimize logistical stress.
Check if the hospital holds JCI or ISO accreditations, which indicate high safety standards. Look for video testimonials and consistent reviews on third-party platforms. You can also ask the clinic to provide verification of their surgeon’s board certification.
Compare clinics based on the surgeon’s specific experience with corneal grafts, the technology used (e.g., femtosecond lasers), and the transparency of their corneal transplant turkey package. Avoid clinics that offer prices significantly lower than the average market range without explanation.
Search for hospitals listed on the Joint Commission International (JCI) website or those affiliated with reputable medical tourism associations. Istanbul European Clinic partners with top-tier, accredited facilities to ensure patient safety.
Reputable clinics provide remote follow-up services via video calls. If a complication arises, they will advise you to see a local specialist immediately. In rare cases requiring re-intervention, some packages may cover corrective procedures, but this must be clarified in your contract.
Dry air in planes can irritate the eye. You should use preservative-free lubricating drops frequently. Pressure changes are usually fine unless an air bubble was used in surgery (common in DMEK/DSEK); in that case, you must not fly until the doctor clears you.
Many clinics in Istanbul offer all inclusive corneal transplant turkey packages. These typically cover the surgery, hospital stay, VIP airport transfers, and hotel accommodation for you and a companion.
You will need to send your recent medical reports and eye scans to the clinic. The medical team will review your case and provide a detailed treatment plan and a fixed price quote, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Packages are designed to be hassle-free. A driver picks you up from the airport and takes you to your hotel and clinic for all appointments. Accommodation is usually in 4 or 5-star hotels near the hospital to ensure comfort and easy access to care.
A standard package includes the pre-op consultation, the surgical fee, donor tissue procurement, anesthesiologist fees, hospital stay, post-op medications, transfers, and sometimes accommodation. Always check if pre-op tests are included or charged separately.
Ask for an itemized breakdown. Check if the price includes the donor cornea (which can be expensive) and if it covers potential extra nights in the hospital. Compare “apples to apples” by ensuring you are looking at the same surgical technique (e.g., PK vs. DMEK).
