Brazil faces rising cornea transplant demand amid regional successes

Brazil is facing a growing demand for cornea transplants, with the national waiting list reaching approximately 37,719 people, a 15% increase from late 2025. According to the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology, the average waiting time has risen to 370 days. Factors contributing to this include the backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs for eye banks, and new quality control requirements.

Regional disparities are significant. While states like Ceará and Mato Grosso have maintained small waiting lists, São Paulo and Minas Gerais report the highest numbers of patients awaiting procedures.

In contrast to the national trend, the state of Maranhão has reported significant progress through its State Transplant Acceleration Plan. The state has successfully eliminated its liver transplant waiting list in 2026 and expects to clear the cornea transplant queue by November. Maranhão has also risen to 11th place in the national transplant ranking, supported by an increase in multi-organ donors.