How Much Does A Corneal Transplant Cost?

The cornea is the outer layer of your eye. It can be thought of as a windowpane that covers the eye. Corneal tissue is critical as it focuses light from the front of the eye back to the retina. The retina then sends the images and light to the brain, which enables you to see what's in front of you.

The cornea tissue can become damaged by infection, trauma, or disease. When damage occurs, the cornea might change shape or become cloudy. Damage to the cornea makes it harder for light to get to the retina and leads to blurred vision or other vision problems.

Benefits Of A Cornea Transplant Surgery

A corneal transplant surgery can restore vision regardless of what causes a damaged cornea. Keratoplasty, or cornea transplant, is a safe and routine surgery that is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The surgery has a high success rate, although it can take time to see the full benefits of corneal transplant surgery.

How Much Does A Cornea Transplant Cost?

There are many factors to consider when determining the average cost of corneal transplant surgery. The cost of a corneal transplant depends on a variety of factors, such as:

• How extensive the damage is to the cornea
• The exact kind of keratoplasty procedure the eye doctor plans to perform
• The fees and rats of the eye doctor
• The medications given
• Length and duration of preparing the corneal tissue grafts

But, while there is a range and various factors to look at, there is some data out there. One study reports that corneal transplants usually cost around $32,500. But, this figure refers to the number that's billed out. It's not necessarily how much money a patient will pay out of pocket for their transplant surgery.

Different Corneal Transplant Techniques

While the goal of a corneal transplant is usually the same, there are different options for surgical techniques. These include:

1. A penetrating keratoplasty: This corneal transplant surgery is a transplant of the entire cornea, and it's commonly performed to treat traumatic injuries or a condition called keratoconus. This process involves a donor cornea.
2. A deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: This corneal transplant replaces part of the cornea. While it tends to have a higher success rate, it is a more complex technique.
3. An endothelial keratoplasty: This method is used when the inner corneal barrier needs to be replaced because of conditions such as Fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Other Costs As The Cornea Heals

Along with the costs of the actual corneal transplant itself, there are other additional costs of a cornea transplant, including medications to promote healing. Because a corneal transplant is a type of donor procedure that transplants foreign tissue, patients must take post-transplant immunosuppressants.

Other costs include a local anesthetic and other medications to reduce pain during the surgery. Because it is a surgical procedure, it takes skill and time from the eye surgeon, so their costs will also vary.

Does Health Insurance Cover A Cornea Transplant?

Many people may qualify for a corneal transplant. Some common conditions or injuries that often allow someone to have a corneal transplant covered by insurance include: 

• Having a traumatic eye injury
• Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy
• Injury or complications from a surgical procedure
• Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
• Keratoconus
• Various eye infection issues

But, how much of the process is covered by your health insurance will vary based on your policy.

Will Insurance Coverage Take Care Of Most Of The Costs?

While some private insurance companies will cover most of the costs, it will depend. The insurance company will likely consider if the patient has a pressing need for the donor cornea or if the vision issues can be corrected using contact lenses. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary, more insurance companies are likely to cover most of the price.

There are many elements that insurance looks at, including your plan, your deductible, and the condition being treated. So, it's always best to speak with your insurance to see what they cover and what you can expect to pay out of pocket.

Reach Out To Holly Springs Eye & Laser

If you have a damaged cornea that's impacting your vision or otherwise negatively impacting your life, the Holly Springs Eye & Laser team wants to help. Give our office a call to find out more about options, and we will assist you in figuring out payment options. Schedule a corneal transplant consultation in Fuquay Varina today.