Microkeratome-Assisted Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Anterior Stromal Corneal Opacities After Penetrating Keratoplasty

Abstract

Superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty is a viable and effective alternative to repeat PK in treating anterior stromal scars. It avoids open-globe surgery and exposure to endothelial rejection associated with repeat PK, and visual rehabilitation is considerably quicker.

Prevalence of guttae in the graft following corneal transplantation

“…Anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) was performed using either pneumatic or microkeratome-assisted dissection 10 11. DSAEK and ultrathin DSAEK were also performed in a standardised fashion following the technique described elsewhere 12.…”

Microkeratome-Assisted Two-Stage Technique of Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Reis–Bücklers Corneal Dystrophy

“…LKP is a good surgical option, and successful outcomes of SALK have been reported using the microkeratome and femtosecond laser. 14,15 One of the limitations of standard microkeratome-assisted LKP is the unpredictable flap diameter, which often results in a mismatch between the host and donor tissues. The shelving edge of the flap does not provide adequate stability and requires placement of sutures.…”

Lamellar Keratoplasty: A Literature Review

“…The recipient bed is then measured with calipers, and the donor tissue is punched to the same size using a donor punch. The donor graft can be sutured into the recipient bed [4]. …”

“…Patel et al [4] performed microkeratome-assisted SALK in nine eyes of 8 consecutive patients with anterior stromal dystrophy recurrence ( n = 3), post photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) haze ( n = 2), and scarring after stromal melt ( n = 4). They reported improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in all 9 eyes at final followup with BCVA ≥ 20/40 in 7 of 9 eyes within the first month.…”