75-year-old Patient Regains Sight After 6 Years Thanks to Corneal Transplant
Istanbul, February 27, 2026 – Huriye Sarıoğlu, a 75-year-old patient who endured a difficult life for six years due to vision loss, has regained her sight following a successful corneal transplant surgery. The successful operation, performed by Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yıldırım, has enabled the patient to continue her daily life independently. Sarıoğlu stated, “An organ means a life. If I can see today, it is thanks to these donations.”
Huriye Sarıoğlu, who for many years was unable to meet her daily needs due to vision loss, began to see again thanks to a corneal transplant surgery performed at Medipol Health Group. Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yıldırım, who performed the surgery, stated that the patient had severe vision loss in both eyes, and the surgical intervention significantly improved her quality of life.
‘We Replaced Only the Diseased Part of the Cornea’
Providing information about the patient’s medical process, Prof. Dr. Yıldırım said, “Huriye Hanım had previously undergone cataract surgery in both eyes. However, she subsequently experienced severe vision loss due to a condition called corneal endothelial insufficiency. Since the cells providing transparency in the inner part of the cornea lost their function, the transparent layer of the eye became cloudy, and vision was greatly reduced. Her relatives had to bring her to the hospital by holding her arm. She was unable to meet her daily living needs. With the surgery we performed, we restored her vision by replacing only the diseased inner layer of the cornea. Currently, she sees quite well with her right eye, and we are continuing to plan surgery for her left eye.”
‘Organ Donation Saves Lives’
Emphasizing the vital importance of organ and tissue donation, Prof. Dr. Yıldırım stated, “Corneal transplants are a very effective method in the treatment of vision loss due to corneal diseases. In our country, we can successfully perform these surgeries with the most modern techniques. Our surgical experience is quite high. By replacing only the damaged layer of the cornea, not the entire cornea, we can restore our patients to health in a short time. However, for this to be sustainable, the widespread adoption of organ and tissue donation is of great importance.”
‘I Have Seen the Light Again’
Huriye Sarıoğlu, who regained her sight after the successful operation, expressed her happiness with the following words: “I had not been able to see for approximately 6 years due to the deterioration of the corneal layer in my eye. During this period, I went through very difficult days and experienced serious psychological problems. We came to Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yıldırım on recommendation. With the surgery, I have seen the light again. I am very happy today; it is as if I have been reborn. An organ means a life. If I can see today, it is thanks to these donations. I want everyone to be sensitive to organ and cornea donation. I hope we can make our voices heard.”
