DALK with hydrops is safe and effective

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is a safe and effective procedure in keratoconic eyes with previous hydrops.

The retrospective, non-comparative study, led by Sheraz M Daya, Centre for Sight, East Grinstead, UK, involved 10 eyes of 10 patients. Each patient has previously receieved hydrops and underwent DALK.

DALK was completed using the Melles's technique of optical recognition with pre-Descemet's membrane dissection. The outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity and best spectacle corrected distance visual acuity (BSCVA), postoperative spherical equivalent (SEQ), keratometry and adverse events.

Preoperative BSCVA was 6/24 or worse in all eyes and at the last follow-up it was 6/12 or better in all eyes. Six eyes experienced intraoperative microperforation but penetrating keratoplasty conversion was not required.

The mean SEQ was −2.4±4.2 D, keratometric astigmatism was 3.8±1.6 D and refractive astigmatism was 3.4±2.2 D, whereas the mean postoperative keratometry was 43.7±2.6 and central pachymetry 572.6±65.0 µm.

The study can be found in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.