Questions patients actually ask.
36 medically reviewed answers gathered from across the clinic's pages — costs, procedures, travel, and recovery. Don't see yours? Ask us on WhatsApp — we reply in English within 24 hours.
Costs & Prices
How much does LASIK cost in Cairo, Egypt?
LASIK with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy ranges from $300 to $1,400 USD for both eyes, depending on the technique: Microkeratome LASIK $300–$500, Femto LASIK $600–$1,100, Femto SMILE Pro $900–$1,400, and PRK / TransPRK $500–$900. The price includes the surgeon fee, OR fee, pre-op diagnostics, topical anesthesia, week-1 medications, and the first follow-up visit.
How much does ICL surgery cost in Cairo, Egypt?
EVO Visian ICL with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy in Cairo ranges from $1,000 to $1,500 per eye ($2,000 to $3,000 for both eyes). Toric ICL — which corrects astigmatism in addition to myopia — runs from $1,200 to $1,700 per eye ($2,400 to $3,400 for both eyes). By comparison, the same procedure typically costs $4,000–$6,500 per eye in the US, £3,500–£5,000 per eye in the UK, and €3,500–€5,000 per eye in Western Europe.
What is the all-in cost of cataract surgery in Cairo for an international patient?
Per eye, depending on the IOL: Monofocal $600–900, Toric $900–1,400, EDOF (Vivity / Symfony) $1,400–2,000, Trifocal/Multifocal (PanOptix / AT LISA tri) $1,800–2,500. Price includes the IOL, surgeon fee, OR fee, topical anesthesia, biometry, and 12 months of follow-up. Hotel, flights, and visa support are quoted separately.
How much does corneal transplant cost in Cairo, Egypt?
Corneal transplant with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 USD per eye depending on technique: DALK $2,500–$3,000, PKP $3,000, DMEK $3,000–$3,500, and DSAEK $3,500–$4,500. The price is all-inclusive — donor tissue from an internationally certified eye bank, surgeon fee, OR fee, anesthesia, week-1 medications, and the first follow-up visits.
How much does corneal cross-linking (CXL) cost in Cairo?
CXL in Cairo with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy ranges from $400 to $800 per eye depending on the protocol: Accelerated CXL runs $400–560, the classic Standard Dresden protocol $500–700, and Trans-Epi (Epi-On) $600–800. The combined CXL + ICRS package is $1,200–1,800 per eye. The same procedure runs $2,000–3,000 per eye in London or Madrid — Egypt is roughly 70–80% cheaper.
How much do corneal ring segments (ICRS / Intacs) cost in Cairo?
ICRS in Cairo with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy ranges from $600 to $1,200 per eye depending on the segment type (Intacs, Keraring, or Ferrara) and the number of rings required. Total bilateral cases run $1,200–$2,400. The combined ICRS + CXL package starts at $1,200 per eye. The same procedure runs $4,000–$5,500 per eye in London or Madrid.
Corneal Transplant
What is the success rate for corneal transplant?
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.
How long is the recovery period after corneal transplant?
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.
What is the risk of rejection?
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.
How do I know which transplant I need — DMEK, DSAEK, or PK?
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.
Why PKP instead of DALK?
DALK preserves your own endothelium and has a lower rejection rate. We choose DALK whenever the disease is anterior (above Descemet's membrane). PKP becomes necessary when the deep stroma or endothelium is involved — failed prior grafts, full-thickness scars, severe infection sequelae.
Why DMEK instead of DSAEK?
DMEK transplants only the Descemet membrane and endothelial cells (about 10–15 microns thick). DSAEK includes a thin layer of stroma as well (around 100 microns). DMEK gives faster visual recovery, sharper vision, and a lower rejection rate. DSAEK is preferred only when the eye's anterior segment is too complex for DMEK (prior glaucoma surgery, very shallow chamber, etc.).
Keratoconus
What is corneal cross-linking and why would I need it?
CXL is a non-surgical, in-office procedure that strengthens the cornea by photo-activating riboflavin drops with UVA light. It's the only proven way to stop keratoconus from progressing. Indicated when topography documents real progression (Kmax change ≥1 D in 12 months, thinning, or rising astigmatism), typically in patients aged 12–35.
Will corneal rings cure my keratoconus permanently?
Rings reshape the cornea and improve vision, but they don't stop the underlying disease on their own. That's why we combine ICRS with corneal cross-linking (CXL) in the same session — CXL stops progression, ICRS restores shape.
Epi-Off vs Epi-On cross-linking — which is better?
Epi-Off (epithelium removed) has the strongest evidence base and the highest biomechanical effect, but recovery is more uncomfortable. Epi-On (epithelium kept intact, with enhanced-permeability riboflavin) is more comfortable and recovers faster — best for selected cases with adequate corneal thickness, slower progression, or Epi-Off intolerance. We choose based on stage, thickness, and age.
Does thyroid disease cause keratoconus?
There is a real association. A 2024 PubMed-indexed multicenter study co-authored by Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy (Said OM, Iqbal M, El-Massry A, Elgharieb ME, Mady M, Sharawy AM, Abdelaziz K — Med Hypothesis Discov Innov Ophthalmol, October 2024 — PMID 39507808) compared 200 eyes from patients with thyroid gland dysfunction against 200 age- and sex-matched controls. Keratoconus prevalence was 7.5% in the thyroid group vs 0.5% in controls (P<0.0001) — a 15-fold increase. 93% of thyroid-linked keratoconus cases were associated with hyperthyroidism. Clinical takeaway: patients with thyroid dysfunction, especially hyperthyroidism, should get a baseline corneal topography and a yearly recheck for early detection.
How urgent is treatment if my keratoconus is progressing?
Cross-linking should be done at the first documented sign of progression — typically a Kmax change of ≥1 diopter in 12 months. Earlier CXL preserves more vision and reduces the chance of needing a transplant later.
When do I need a transplant (DALK or PKP) instead of corneal rings?
When the cornea has central scarring, very advanced thinning, or contact lenses are no longer tolerated. DALK preserves your own endothelium (the back layer of the cornea), keeping rejection risk low. PKP is reserved for cases where DALK isn't possible.
LASIK & Vision Correction
Is LASIK painful?
No. The procedure uses anesthetic eye drops. You may feel a few seconds of pressure during the suction step, but no sharp pain. Most patients describe it as 'less uncomfortable than a dental cleaning'.
Am I a candidate for LASIK?
Most healthy adults aged 18+ with stable refraction for at least 12 months are candidates. We screen with full topography, pachymetry, and posterior-segment evaluation. If LASIK isn't safe for your cornea, we will recommend ICL, PRK, or SMILE — whichever is right for your eyes.
What's the difference between LASIK and SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is flapless — a small lenticule is removed through a 2–4 mm incision. Less dry eye risk and stronger biomechanical preservation. LASIK uses a corneal flap and offers slightly faster vision recovery and a wider treatment range. Both are FDA-approved gold-standard techniques.
When is ICL better than LASIK?
Three main scenarios: thin corneas (under approximately 480 microns), high myopia (-8 D and stronger), or early signs of keratoconus on topography. ICL is also a better option for patients who want a reversible procedure, since the lens can be removed while LASIK permanently reshapes the cornea.
What is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro is a laser vision correction technique that extracts a thin lenticule from inside the corneal tissue through a single 2–4 mm incision — without lifting a full corneal flap as in LASIK. It's performed on the Zeiss VisuMax 800, the newest SMILE platform, with faster laser delivery and more precise eye tracking than earlier generations.
Can my prescription come back after LASIK?
In most cases the result is permanent. Less than 5% of patients see a small drift over 5–10 years, usually due to natural age-related lens changes. A simple enhancement can correct minor regression provided your cornea has enough thickness left.
Travel & Booking
How much does treatment cost compared to my home country?
We handle airport pickup and partner-hotel rates end-to-end, while keeping treatment costs far below what you'd pay at home. Most procedures run 50–80% cheaper than the UK, Germany, or the Gulf. Exact pricing in USD is listed on every service page, and insurance reports are issued in English on request for reimbursement.
How long do I need to be in Cairo?
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is just 30 minutes from the clinic, and most international patients spend less than a week in Cairo for routine procedures. LASIK, ICL, and cataract surgery need a minimum of 4 days; DMEK, DSAEK, and DALK need 7–10 days. Follow-up care can then shift to your local ophthalmologist using our protocol.
What about post-op follow-up once I'm back home?
Our team provides English-speaking aftercare from consultation through recovery. We issue detailed surgical reports, medication schedules, and complication red-flags in English so your local doctor can coordinate care. Many international patients only need to return to Cairo for the 1, 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up checks.
What is the deposit and is it refundable?
A deposit of 25,000 EGP (approximately $500) holds your surgery date and lets us order the specific IOL power or supplies needed for your case from the distributor. The deposit is deducted from the total cost. It is fully refundable if you cancel 14+ days before surgery; late cancellations forfeit the portion covering items already custom-ordered for you.
How do I send my topography or OCT before traveling?
Email scans (PDF or JPG) to ask@cornea.clinic, or attach them via WhatsApp to +20 111 118 2081. Dr. Shaarawy reviews international cases personally and replies within 24 hours with a treatment plan and travel logistics.
Is corneal transplant in Cairo the same standard as London or Berlin?
Yes — same surgical technique, same equipment manufacturers, same eye-bank tissue sources. Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy is AAO-published and trained at Devers Eye Institute, Portland, OR (a leading US cornea center). The cost difference reflects local operating costs in Egypt — not clinical standards.
Recovery & Aftercare
Will I need to take drops for life after corneal transplant?
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.
When does vision return to normal after cataract surgery?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 24 hours. Full visual stability takes 2–4 weeks as the eye fully heals. With a premium IOL, neuro-adaptation to the new lens may take 1–3 months.
How long is recovery after DMEK?
Most patients notice clearer vision within 1–2 weeks. Full visual stability takes 3–6 months. You'll need to keep your head face-up for the first 24–48 hours so the air bubble holds the graft in place.
Is cross-linking painful, and how long is recovery?
The procedure itself is painless — topical anesthetic drops only. Epi-Off recovery involves 24–72 hours of burning and light sensitivity controlled with drops and oral painkillers. Initial vision recovery takes 5–7 days, return to normal activities 7–10 days, and final corneal stabilization 3–6 months, with topography follow-up every 3 months in year 1.
When will I see results from dry eye treatment?
After the first IPL session: mild reduction in redness within a week. After sessions 2–3: noticeable comfort improvement and reduced reliance on drops. Full benefit appears 1–3 months after completing the 4-session protocol. Meibomian Gland Expression alone gives quick relief but the effect lasts only 2–4 months without IPL backing it up.
How long does LASIK recovery take, and when can I fly home?
Femto LASIK and SMILE Pro: vision typically improves within 24–48 hours, most patients are cleared to fly home after the day-1 check (so 4–5 days total in Cairo). PRK / TransPRK: epithelium needs 5–7 days to fully heal, so plan a 7-day stay before flying. Final visual outcomes for all three techniques are equivalent — only recovery speed differs.
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