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DALK essential for armamentarium of corneal transplant surgeons
SAN DIEGO — Despite the technically challenging aspects of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, the big-bubble technique can and should be mastered, a presenter said here.
"Corneal surgeons must add DALK to their surgical scope," W. Barry Lee, MD, FACS, said during a presentation at Cornea Day, which preceded the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting. "Get familiar with the big-bubble DALK steps."
Dr. Lee discussed Anwar's big-bubble DALK technique, stating that the main goal is to place an air injection posteriorly into the stroma to provide contrast between residual stroma and Descemet's membrane. The surgeon should create a paracentesis to release pressure and inject a small air bubble to confirm the successful placement of the big bubble, according to Dr. Lee.
He also recommended preparing the donor tissue after the recipient has been prepared.
If a perforation occurs, he said, a conversion to penetrating surgery can be made.
- Disclosure: Dr. Lee has no direct financial interest in the products discussed in this article, nor is he a paid consultant for any companies mentioned.