Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2006;220:164-169 (DOI: 10.1159/000091759)

  Key Words

• Keratoconus penetrating keratoplasty
• Deep lamellar keratoplasty
• Descemet's membrane

  Abstract

Purpose: To present our experience with a series of patients treated with deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) for keratoconus (KC). Design: A single surgeon, prospective, consecutive series.Method: The study included all patients with KC who underwent DLK between March 1999 and November 2003 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. The parameters evaluated included patients' demographics, pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuities, post-operative keratometry, and intra- and post-operative complications. Results: There were 22 patients (23 eyes); 10 females and 12 males, with a mean age of 35 ± 13 years (median, 33.5; range, 17-73). The median follow-up period was 13 months (range 7-38). In 89% (16/18) of eyes which underwent DLK, and in which a visual acuity could be obtained, a best corrected visual acuity of at least 6/12 was recorded. There were two episodes of Descemet's membrane perforation (8.7%), in which the procedure was converted to penetrating keratoplasty without complications. One patient developed a double anterior chamber, which resolved spontaneously without consequences. Conclusion: The visual outcomes and complication rates seen in our series are comparable to the recent published literature. Hence DLK can be considered as a suitable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for the surgical treatment of KC.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Dr. Dinesh Selva
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace
Adelaide, SA 5000 (Australia)
Tel. +61 882 225 222, Fax +61 882 225 221, E-Mail awestwoo@mail.rah.sa.gov.au

  Article Information

Received: March 17, 2005
Accepted after revision: April 22, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 21