Am I a good candidate for a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant is recommended when other treatments (e.g. contact lenses, crosslinking, medication) are no longer enough and the cornea is permanently clouded or deformed by scarring, keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, infections or injuries. Not everyone is a candidate – patients should ask explicitly: "By which exact criteria am I a candidate, or not?" and "What alternatives do I have if I am not eligible for a transplant?" The decision depends on factors such as corneal thickness and shape, endothelial cell count, general health, compliance (regular aftercare) and the severity of the disease.

Which procedure is right for me (PKP, DALK, DSAEK, DMEK)?

There are different procedures, chosen according to the affected corneal layer and the disease: PKP (penetrating keratoplasty) - full-thickness transplant (all corneal layers), used for: deep scars, advanced keratoconus, severe injuries DALK (deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty) - front layers replaced, own endothelium remains, used for: keratoconus, front scars, healthy endothelium DSAEK (Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty) - only the inner endothelial layer replaced, used for: Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy DMEK (Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) - thinnest layer (Descemet's membrane + endothelium), used for: Fuchs' dystrophy, early endothelial degeneration Patients should ask: "Which procedure do you recommend for my case and why?" and "Are there alternatives with lower risks?"

How high is the risk of rejection?

The risk of rejection varies depending on the procedure: with PKP (full-thickness) it is 10–30%, with DALK 5–10%, with DSAEK 5–12% and with DMEK only 1–2%. Rejection can occur a few weeks or only several years after the transplant – warning signs are redness, pain, sensitivity to light and a sudden deterioration in vision. Patients should ask: "What are the signs of rejection?" and "What do you do if rejection occurs?"

How long is the recovery? When can I work and drive again?

The recovery time depends heavily on the procedure: PKP: 12-18 months (recovery), after 4-8 weeks (driving) DALK: 4-6 months (recovery), after 2-4 weeks (driving) DSAEK: 2-3 months (recovery), after 1-2 weeks (driving) DMEK: 4-8 weeks (recovery), after 1-2 weeks (driving)

How long do I have to use eye drops?

Patients have to use antibiotic and steroid eye drops for several months to years – typically hourly for the first 2 days, then 4 times a day for 1 week, twice a day for 1 month, then once a day for 6–12 months or longer. Many centres recommend a low-dose long-term therapy (a low-dose steroid once a day) to prevent rejection, especially after PKP and DALK. Patients should ask: "How long do I have to take drops?" and "What happens if I stop the drops too early?"

Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after the operation?

Yes, most patients still need glasses or special contact lenses after the operation for optimal visual acuity – especially with PKP, the sutures often cause high astigmatism (3–8 dioptres), which has to be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. With modern procedures such as DMEK the astigmatism is lower (below 1 dioptre), but many patients still need reading glasses or mild distance glasses. Patients can often wear hard or special soft contact lenses, but this must first be checked by the doctor after complete healing (3–6 months).

What is the success rate? What happens if the operation does not work?

The success rate is high: with DMEK 70–80% of patients achieve a visual acuity of 20/25 or better, with DSAEK 20/30–20/40 in 70–80%, with DALK 20/30–20/40 in 60–80% and with PKP 20/40–20/60 in 60–70%. The 5-year success rate is 90–97% for DMEK, 90–95% for DSAEK, 85–90% for DALK and 70–80% for PKP. If the graft fails (rejection, clouding, complications), a new transplant can be carried out – some patients need several procedures over the course of their lives.

Where does the donor cornea come from? Is it safe?

The donor cornea comes from deceased donors who donated their eyes or corneas during their lifetime or whose relatives gave their consent. All donor corneas are strictly tested (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, other infections) and stored in cornea banks before being released for transplantation. There are no costs for the donor's family – all costs for removal, testing and storage are covered by the eye clinic or cornea bank.

What are the risks and complications?

As with any operation, there are risks: Rejection: (1–30%, depending on the procedure): redness, pain, sensitivity to light, deterioration of vision Infection (rare, <5%): endophthalmitis, requires immediate treatment Loosening of sutures (common with PKP, 20–40%): requires removal or replacement of the suture Astigmatism (common with PKP, 3–8 dioptres): requires glasses/contact lenses or an enhancement Glaucoma / rising pressure (occasionally, 10–20%): caused by steroid drops or scarring Cataract formation (common in older patients): accelerated clouding of the lens, possibly later cataract surgery Clouding of the graft (occasionally, 5–15%): requires a new transplant

Can I have a second corneal transplant if the first one fails?

Yes, it is possible to have several corneal transplants over the course of a lifetime – some patients need 2 or even 3 procedures. The success rate of repeat transplants is somewhat lower than for the first operation, but many patients still achieve good results.

How long does the graft last?

Full-thickness grafts (PKP) often last 15–20 years or longer, while endothelial procedures (DMEK, DSAEK) can work for life if healing is successful. Patient data show that "longevity" is the most frequently searched topic regarding this operation.

What does the operation cost? Is it covered by insurance?

In most countries, a corneal transplant is covered by statutory health insurance if it is medically necessary – but patients should obtain written confirmation of cost coverage in advance. Prices in Austria and Germany (per eye): €3,000 – 8,000 (PKP), €4,000 – 10,000 (DMEK). In Croatia, prices are about 30-40% lower.

Eye Surgery Up to -35%

Corneal transplant

Q: Can I have a second corneal transplant if the first one fails?

Yes, it is possible to have several corneal transplants over the course of a lifetime – some patients need 2 or even 3 procedures. The success rate of repeat transplants is somewhat lower than for the first operation, but many patients still achieve good results.

In a corneal transplant, medically known as keratoplasty, diseased or damaged corneal tissue is replaced with donated human corneal tissue. The aim is to improve vision or, after severe injuries, to preserve the structure of the eye.

Your Price at GO Medics

€3,500 (PKP, DALK)

Best PriceIncl. consultation & aftercare

Price in DE / AT / CH

€5,500

You save €2,000

Duration30–90 minutes

Recovery timeup to 18 months

Treatment inCroatia & Slovenia

QualityISO-certified

SupportGerman-speaking

About the treatment

A corneal transplant is an established treatment for progressive keratoconus or pronounced corneal scarring.

Top benefits at a glance

1. Restoration and clear improvement of vision

The primary benefit is the restoration of clear vision – many patients experience a dramatic improvement in their visual acuity, which allows them to carry out everyday activities such as reading, driving and hobbies without help again. With modern procedures such as DMEK, 70–80% of patients achieve a visual acuity of 20/25 or better within one year, and many come close to 100% (20/20). For certain conditions such as keratoconus, success rates are over 90%.

2. Low risk of rejection (especially with modern procedures)

Compared with other organ transplants, the risk of rejection is much lower with corneal transplants because the cornea is avascular (has no blood vessels). With modern endothelial procedures such as DMEK, the rejection rate is only 1–2% (compared with 10–30% for a classic full-thickness transplant/PKP). This means that patients need fewer long-term steroid drops, which reduces steroid-related complications such as cataract and glaucoma.

3. A long-term, stable solution

A successful corneal transplant offers a long-lasting solution to vision problems – many grafts work for 10 years or longer without problems. The 5-year success rate for modern procedures is 90–97% (DMEK: 95–97%, DSAEK: 90–95%, DALK: 85–90%, PKP: 70–80%).

4. Faster recovery and fewer stitches (with modern lamellar procedures)

Modern techniques such as DMEK, DSAEK and DALK allow much faster visual recovery – often within weeks instead of months. With DMEK, patients need no stitches or only 1–3 (compared with 16–24 with PKP), which shortens recovery time and reduces suture-related complications. Returning to work is possible after 1–2 weeks with DMEK (vs. 6–8 weeks with PKP)

5. Less astigmatism

Lamellar procedures (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK) cause much less astigmatism than the classic full-thickness transplant (PKP). With DMEK the resulting astigmatism is below 1 dioptre (vs. 3–8 dioptres with PKP), which leads to better uncorrected visual acuity and less need for special contact lens fitting.

6. Pain relief and preservation of the eye

With certain corneal diseases (e.g. bullous keratopathy, severe scarring), the transplant can not only improve vision but also relieve pain and preserve the eye when other treatments are no longer enough. The aim can be visual rehabilitation, restoration of corneal clarity and structure, pain relief or urgent treatment of severe corneal damage.

7. Improved quality of life and psychological benefits

Improved vision also has psychological benefits, boosts self-esteem and reduces feelings of anxiety or depression associated with vision loss.

Why GO Medics?

GO Medics connects you with ISO-certified partner clinics in Croatia and Slovenia — with German-speaking support, transparent prices and personal guidance from consultation to aftercare.

Your benefits at GO Medics

Restored eyesight

Low risk of rejection

A lasting, stable solution

Faster recovery (modern techniques)

Less corneal curvature (astigmatism)

Better quality of life

Price comparison

DACH region€5,500

GO Medics€3,500 (PKP, DALK)-35%

Savings€2,000

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