Posters

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: a surgical option for keratoconus

Poster Details

First Author: B.Borges PORTUGAL

Co Author(s):    L. Vieira   R. Anjos   A. Cabugueira   N. Alves   J. Feijão   V. Maduro

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Clinical, functional and anatomical evaluation of patients with keratoconus undergoing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the big-bubble technique.

Setting:

Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central - Cornea Department

Methods:

Prospective study analyses of 15 eyes (15 patients) with the diagnosis of keratoconus that have undergone DALK. All patients underwent pre and post-operative clinical evaluation (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months). Pentacam, anterior segment optical coherence tomography and specular microscopy were also performed.

Results:

DALK was performed in 10 eyes and conversion to penetrating keratoplasty occured in 5 eyes. Preoperative average visual acuity was 1/10 and best postoperative average visual acuity after 12 months was 6/10. Keratometry values decreased (pre-operative Kmax: 65+/- 6 D to post-operative Kmax: 47+/- 4 D) and endothelial cell count remained stable after surgery (pre-operative endothelial cell count: 2200 +/- 400 cels/mm2 to post-operative endothelial cell count: 2100 +/- 300 cels/mm2).

Conclusions:

DALK using the big bubble technique is a difficult and challenging procedure. Nevertheless it is safe and shows a positive outcome in the restoration of the corneal anatomy and in visual acuity improvement in patients with keratoconus. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE