Posters

Blunt scissors stromal dissection DALK vs big-bubble DALK

Poster Details

First Author: N.Yesilirmak FRANCE

Co Author(s):    A. Ucgul   B. Aydin   M. Ozmen   A. Yuvarlak   F. Akata        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of standard big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (BB-DALK) technique with new modified blunt scissors lamellar dissection manual DALK (M-DALK) technique in eyes with corneal scars or lesions.

Setting:

Gazi University Hospital, Ankara/Turkey

Methods:

Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients treated by M-DALK or BB-DALK included in this prospective, non-randomized, comparative study. Intraoperative managements and complications, pre and post-treatment 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months visual acuity and endothelial cell density (ECD), post-treatment 18 months corneal cylinder (Cyl), central corneal thickness (CCT), aberrometric values and residual stromal thickness were recorded.

Results:

Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients underwent BB-DALK, while 30 eyes of 30 patients underwent M-DALK. In 35 of 55 (%64) eyes, successful big bubble formation was achieved. Microperforations occurred in 6 eyes in M-DALK group and in 3 eyes in BB-DALK group. Postoperative visual acuity and endothelial cell loss outcomes were not significantly different between groups. Mean CCT was significantly higher in M-DALK group compared to BB-DALK group (p=0.035). Mean corneal Cyl, residual stromal thickness and aberrometric values were similar between groups (p>0.05) .

Conclusions:

M-DALK seems as safe and effective as BB-DALK when using blunt scissors for lamellar dissection. This M-DALK technique can be used as both a primary and a secondary approach.

Financial Disclosure:

None