Deep Anterior Lamellar Transplant Using Lyophilized and Optisol Corneas in Patients With Keratoconus

Abstract

Lyophilized corneas can be used successfully for DALK to treat keratoconus with results similar to Optisol corneas.

Long-term preservation of donor corneas in glycerol for keratoplasty: exploring new protocols

“…The glycerol-preserved corneas which are cryopreserved12 13 and lyophilised14 yield equal results compared with fresh corneas after lamellar procedures. In addition to all other advantages, glycerol-preserved corneas substantially decreases the cellularity15 and antigenicity of corneal tissues hence minimising any immune rejection12 13 as cells like keratocytes, epithelial cells and other bone-marrow-derived cells are important targets for any allograft response.…”

Cellular Changes of Donor Corneal Tissue After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty in Eyes With Keratoconus: A Confocal Study

“…14,15 Abnormality in the density and distribution of keratocytes after DALK has been reported by several confocal studies. [16][17][18] Using confocal microscopy in 7 patients with history of keratoconus, Balestrazzi et al 16 reported slightly reduced density of keratocytes with irregular distribution in anterior stroma 18 months after air-guided manual DALK. They also found highly reflective particles and linear hyporeflective microfolds, probably caused by the mechanical effect of the donor button apposition at the interface.…”

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: Indications, surgical techniques and complications

“…However, they did not observe statistically significant changes in anterior and posterior mean keratocyte density or visible scarring at the interface. Farias et al 63. and Feizi et al 64.…”