Corneal Transplantation in Japan
Index
What is Corneal Transplantation?
When is Corneal Transplantation Done?
What are The Types of Corneal Transplantation?
Corneal Transplantation Surgery Procedures
Risks of Corneal Transplantation
Cost of Corneal Transplantation in Japan
Advantages of Corneal Transplantation in Japan
Our Medical Concierge Services
What is Corneal Transplantation?
Corneal transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace part or all of a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor corneal tissue. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front part of the eye that plays a vital role in focusing light. When it becomes cloudy, scarred, or misshapen, it can severely impair vision. Transplantation is a time-honored treatment that restores clarity and function to the cornea.
When is Corneal Transplantation Done?
Corneal transplantation is typically performed when vision can no longer be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, or when the cornea has become so damaged that it causes significant pain and discomfort. Common conditions that may require a corneal transplant include:
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Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea that causes it to bulge into a cone shape, leading to distorted vision.
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Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy: A genetic condition where the inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) degenerates, causing corneal swelling and clouding.
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Corneal Scars: Damage from infections or injuries that leave a scar on the cornea, blocking light from entering the eye.
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Bullous Keratopathy: Corneal swelling and blistering, often a complication of previous eye surgery.
What are The Types of Corneal Transplantation?
Modern corneal transplantation offers various techniques, each tailored to the specific part of the cornea that is damaged. This allows for a more targeted and less invasive approach, leading to faster recovery times and better outcomes.
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Full-Thickness Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty - PK): The traditional procedure where the entire thickness of the central cornea is replaced.
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Partial-Thickness Transplant (Lamellar Keratoplasty):
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DSEK/DSAEK: Replaces only the inner layer of the cornea (endothelium and Descemet's membrane). This is a common and highly effective procedure for conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy, with a faster recovery than PK.
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DALK: Replaces the outer and middle layers of the cornea, preserving the patient's own inner layer. This is an option for conditions that affect the front of the cornea, such as keratoconus.
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DMEK: The latest and most advanced form of partial-thickness transplant, which replaces only the thinnest possible layer of the endothelium. It offers the fastest visual recovery and lowest risk of rejection.
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Corneal Transplantation Surgery Procedures
Corneal transplantation is a delicate microsurgical procedure performed in a sterile operating room.
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Procedure Duration & Anesthesia
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The duration of the surgery varies depending on the type of transplant, but typically ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour. Corneal transplantation is performed using local or general anesthesia.
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Pain During Surgery
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Patients typically feel no pain, though they may feel some pressure or a sensation of the surgeon working on the eye in cases with local anesthesia.
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Post-Surgery Vision & Precautions
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Vision: Vision will be blurry immediately after surgery. The visual recovery time varies greatly depending on the type of transplant, from a few weeks with DMEK to several months with PK.
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Precautions: You will be given strict instructions to avoid rubbing your eyes, strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and any activities that could put pressure on the eye. You will also need to use eye drops for an extended period to prevent infection and rejection.
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Risks of Corneal Transplantation
While recent corneal transplantation is an acceptably successful procedure, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail.
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Detailed Potential Risks
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Graft Rejection: The body's immune system may recognize the donor tissue as foreign and attack it. Graft rejection is a serious risk that can be managed with steroid eye drops or, in some cases, may lead to graft failure.
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Infection: A rare but severe complication that can occur inside the eye.
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Glaucoma: The pressure inside the eye can increase after surgery, which may require medication or further treatment.
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Astigmatism: Post-operative astigmatism can occur, which may require glasses, contact lenses, or an additional procedure to correct.
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Graft Failure: The donor cornea may fail, becoming cloudy or non-functional, which would require a repeat transplant.
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Cost of Corneal Transplantation in Japan
The cost of corneal transplantation in Japan is generally an out-of-pocket expense for international patients and is not covered by Japan's public health insurance. The cost varies significantly based on the type of procedure and the clinic.
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Estimated Costs Per Eye.
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The cost for a single eye can range from approximately 1,000,000 to 2,500,000 JPY.
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(Approx.: ~$6,800 - $17,000 USD / ¥49,000 - ¥122,500 CNY / ₱390,000 - ₱975,000 PHP / ₹600,000 - ₹1,500,000 INR / Rp111,000,000 - Rp277,500,000 IDR / ฿220,000 - ฿550,000 THB)
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Note: The exchange rates above are approximate and subject to daily fluctuations. The final cost will be paid in Japanese Yen.
Advantages of Corneal Transplantation in Japan
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Cutting-edge Surgical Procedures
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Japanese ophthalmologists are renowned for their meticulous precision and extensive experience in advanced surgical techniques, including DMEK/DSAEK and DALK. This expertise ensures a highly precise procedure, leading to faster recovery times and better long-term visual outcomes for patients.
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Pioneering Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research
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Japan has a particularly strong and well-regulated framework for regenerative medicine, making it a pioneer in developing new treatments for corneal diseases.
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iPSC-Derived Cornea Transplants: Researchers in Japan have conducted a world-first clinical trial for transplanting induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived corneal tissue. The results of these trials have shown that the transplanted tissues are safe and effective, with no reported rejection or tumor formation and improved vision for patients with corneal stem cell deficiency. This represents a potential long-term solution to the global shortage of corneal donors.
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Cultivated Epithelial Cell Sheets: Japan has been a leader in using cultivated cell sheet technology. For instance, the use of cultivated oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets from the patient's own mouth for corneal reconstruction has shown promising results in treating severe cases of blindness, offering a way to avoid the risk of rejection and infection associated with allogeneic (donor) transplants.
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Read Invited Expert Articles
Cornea Regeneration: Regenerative Medicine for Challenging Corneal Diseases
Kobe iClinic
Dr. Daiki Sakai, MD
Our Medical Concierge Services
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What to Expect from Our Services
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We are your dedicated partner throughout your corneal transplantation journey in Japan. Our physician-led team ensures every step is guided by expert medical understanding, from your initial consultation to destination choice.
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Service Flow
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Initial Review: Start by completing our secure inquiry form on this page. Tell us about your situation and what you seek from our expert doctors.
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Expert Match: Based on your condition and preferences, our physician-led team will precisely match you with ophthalmology experts from our exclusive network across Japan.
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Personalized Referrals: We'll propose suitable medical institutions for your treatment in Japan. Our goal is to connect you with the ideal specialist and facility, opening the door for you to experience professional Japanese ophthalmology.
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Service Fees
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Email Consultation for Expert Match and Personalized Referrals: Free of Charge
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