Question 1

How long does corneal transplant surgery take?

Accepted Answer

DMEK and DSAEK typically take 10–30 minutes under local anaesthesia. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) takes 20–30 minutes, and DALK takes 30–40 minutes. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. The pre-operative preparation adds 1–2 hours, so plan for a half-day at the clinic.

Question 2

What is the success rate for corneal transplant?

Accepted Answer

Five-year graft survival exceeds 90% for DMEK and DSAEK in experienced hands. PK five-year survival is similarly high. The primary risks are immune rejection (5–10% cumulative over 5 years) and late endothelial failure. Early detection and treatment of rejection episodes typically saves the graft.

Question 3

How long is the recovery period?

Accepted Answer

Initial functional vision returns within 2–6 weeks for DMEK/DSAEK. Full stabilisation typically takes 3–6 months. PK recovery is longer — 12–18 months for stable refraction — because sutures must be gradually removed as astigmatism is managed. You can usually resume desk work within 1–2 weeks.

Question 4

Will I need to take drops for life?

Accepted Answer

Yes — topical corticosteroid drops (e.g., prednisolone 0.5% or 1%) are required lifelong to prevent immune rejection. Frequency is tapered over the first year from four times daily to once daily. Missing drops significantly increases rejection risk. This is the most important thing you can do to protect your graft.

Question 5

What is the risk of rejection?

Accepted Answer

Rejection risk is approximately 5–10% cumulative over 5 years. It is NOT the same as failure — rejection episodes caught early and treated with intensive steroids are reversed in the majority of cases. Signs to watch for: sudden redness, pain, light sensitivity, or rapid vision blurring. Contact us immediately if these occur.

Question 6

Does insurance cover corneal transplant in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Egyptian national insurance schemes do not typically cover the full cost of corneal transplant at private specialist clinics. International travel insurance and some Gulf-region corporate policies do cover it. We can provide detailed cost documentation and a medical report to support your insurance claim.

Question 7

Can I travel back home after surgery?

Accepted Answer

For DMEK/DSAEK, we recommend staying in Cairo for at least 5–7 days to confirm graft adherence and manage any early complications. For PK, a 7–10 day stay is advisable. Flying after graft surgery is generally safe once cleared by Dr. Shaarawy, typically from day 5 onwards with no face-down requirement.

Question 8

What is the cost of corneal transplant in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

Procedure cost ranges from $2,500 (DALK) to $4,500 (DSAEK) depending on the procedure type, whether combined with cataract surgery, and your location. Use the cost calculator below for a personalised estimate. A $1,000 deposit is required to book surgery and arrange donor tissue.

Question 9

How do I know which transplant I need — DMEK, DSAEK, or PK?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on the layer of the cornea that is diseased. DMEK/DSAEK replace only the back (endothelial) layer — used for Fuchs dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, and failed previous grafts. PK replaces the full corneal thickness — used for advanced keratoconus, stromal scars, infections, and perforations. A corneal topography and endothelial cell count are required to decide.

Question 10

What is Dr. Shaarawy's experience with DMEK?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy performed the first S-DMEK (S-stamp DMEK) in Egypt and the Arab world. He trained under Prof. Mark Terry at Devers Eye Institute, Oregon — one of the world's highest-volume DMEK centres. He has published novel surgical techniques at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Smart Splash, Graft Exchange DALK).

Criterion	DMEK	DSAEK
Graft thickness DMEK transfers only Descemet's membrane + endothelium	≈ 15 μm	≈ 100–150 μm
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Thinner graft adds no stromal bulk	20/25 median	20/30 – 20/40
Visual recovery time Thinner graft integrates faster	1 – 3 months	3 – 6 months
5-year immune rejection risk Less antigenic tissue → weaker immune response	1 – 3%	7 – 12%
5-year graft survival	95 – 97%	90 – 93%
Surgical difficulty This is why DMEK is concentrated in a few centres — Dr. Shaarawy was the first to perform it in Egypt	High — requires expertise	Moderate
Suitability for complex eyes DSAEK handles silicone oil or uneven cornea better	Limited	Excellent choice
Estimated cost in Cairo Difference is small — the decision is clinical first	from $3,000	from $3,500

Criterion	DMEK	DSAEK
Graft thickness DMEK transfers only Descemet's membrane + endothelium	≈ 15 μm	≈ 100–150 μm
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Thinner graft adds no stromal bulk	20/25 median	20/30 – 20/40
Visual recovery time Thinner graft integrates faster	1 – 3 months	3 – 6 months
5-year immune rejection risk Less antigenic tissue → weaker immune response	1 – 3%	7 – 12%
5-year graft survival	95 – 97%	90 – 93%
Surgical difficulty This is why DMEK is concentrated in a few centres — Dr. Shaarawy was the first to perform it in Egypt	High — requires expertise	Moderate
Suitability for complex eyes DSAEK handles silicone oil or uneven cornea better	Limited	Excellent choice
Estimated cost in Cairo Difference is small — the decision is clinical first	from $3,000	from $3,500

Corneal Transplant by Dr. Shaarawy

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Which Transplant Do I Need?

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DMEK vs DSAEK — which is better for endothelial disease?

Cumulative 5-year immune rejection risk

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Corneal transplant cost calculator

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DMEK vs DSAEK — which is better for endothelial disease?

Cumulative 5-year immune rejection risk

Frequently asked questions