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DALK after treatment of keratoconus-associated hydrops improves visual acuity
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty performed after combined thermokeratoplasty and anterior chamber paracentesis improved vision and resolved membrane ruptures in patients with hydrops associated with keratoconus, according to study findings.
The retrospective study included 21 eyes of 21 patients with keratoconus and acute hydrops. All patients had visual acuity of counting fingers before surgery.
Patients underwent anterior chamber paracentesis combined with thermokeratoplasty, followed by modified deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) 2 weeks later, after corneal edema was absorbed and Descemet’s membrane ruptures and stromal clefts were resolved.
The day after DALK, no aqueous humor was seen leaking between the interface of recipient corneas and donor grafts, according to the researchers. Additionally, no recurrences of Descemet’s membrane ruptures or corneal perforation were reported.
Recipient eyes were clear in seven patients, and mild fusiform scars were seen in 14 patients at 1 month. All scars from Descemet’s membrane ruptures diminished or disappeared after 6 months. No cases of immune rejection were reported.
Mean uncorrected visual acuity was 20/60, and mean best corrected visual acuity was 20/30 at 1 year after surgery, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosues.