Abstract | PURPOSE: To describe the clinical results of Pentacam-based big bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to achieve an intended 90% depth of initial lamellar trephination. METHODS: Fifty consecutive eyes of 50 patients with keratoconus, keratoglobus, and anterior stromal scars were included. DALK was performed with the big bubble technique using a 90% intended depth for initial lamellar trephination based on preoperative pachymetry by Pentacam. Main outcome measures were success of surgery, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell count, refractive astigmatism at 12-month follow-up, and rate of intra- and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 84% of the patients (n = 42), Pentacam-based big bubble DALK could be performed successfully. Successful big bubble formation could be achieved in 80% of the patients (n = 34). In case of macroperforation (n = 8), surgery was converted to standard penetrating keratoplasty representing a conversion rate of 16%. Intraoperative microperforation (n = 5) could be handled by an intracameral air injection at the end of operation with successful completion of the lamellar procedure. No allograft rejection was observed. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/125 ± 20/160 preoperatively to 20/40 ± 20/80 at 12-month follow-up. Endothelial cell count was 2102 ± 318 cells per square millimeter preoperatively and 1735 ± 420 cells per square millimeter at 12-month follow-up. Refractive astigmatism was 7.09 ± 3.13 diopters preoperatively and decreased to 4.13 ± 2.41 diopters. CONCLUSION: Pentacam-based big bubble DALK using a 90% intended depth of initial lamellar trephination seems to be a safe and effective procedure for anterior corneal stromal disorders such as keratoconus. We suggest that Pentacam-based depth assessment allows for reliably deep initial preparation and may allow more successful bubble formation in DALK surgery.
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Authors | Stephan Riss, Ludwig M Heindl, Bjoern O Bachmann, Friedrich E Kruse, Claus Cursiefen |
Journal | Cornea
(Cornea)
Vol. 31
Issue 6
Pg. 627-32
(Jun 2012)
ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 22357390
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Astigmatism
(physiopathology)
- Cell Count
- Corneal Topography
- Corneal Transplantation
(methods)
- Endothelium, Corneal
(pathology)
- Female
- Graft Survival
(physiology)
- Humans
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional
- Keratoconus
(physiopathology, surgery)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Photography
(methods)
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
- Visual Acuity
(physiology)
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