Free Papers

Long-term outcomes of microkeratome-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) for keratoconus

Free Paper Details

First Author: E.Franco ITALY

Co Author(s):    A. Yu   C. Bovone   R. Spena   S. Socea   F. Fusco   M. Busin     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report long-term outcomes of microkeratome-assisted ALK in eyes affected by keratoconus.

Setting:

Tertiary Referral Center (Ospedali Privati Forlī, Villa Igea).

Methods:

In 164 consecutive eyes with keratoconus between January 2005 to December 2010, a standardized microkeratome-assisted ALK was performed including: removal of an anterior lamella (9mm in diameter cut with the 200-µm microkeratome head) from the recipient cornea by means of a hand-driven microkeratome; full-thickness circular incision in the recipient bed (6.5mm in diameter) centered on the pupil and; suturing of a donor lamella (9mm in diameter cut with a 300-µm microkeratome head). Outcome measures were best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive astigmatism and endothelial cell loss (ECL) and complication rates.

Results:

With a mean follow-up of 10.5±3.6 years, Snellen, BSCVA ≥20/40, ≥20/25 and ≥20/20 was achieved in 92%, 60% and 23% of eyes, respectively. Refractive astigmatism at final postoperative visit was ≤4.5 D in 74% of eyes. Average annual ECL was 3%. An episode of stromal rejection occurred in 15 eyes (9%), while repeat keratoplasty was required in only 3 eyes (2%).

Conclusions:

Long-term outcomes of microkeratome-assisted ALK remain excellent over 10 years with low rates of complications.

Financial Disclosure:

-