Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science,

February 15, 1996, Vol. 37, No. 3

Tuesday 5:00 -7:00 PM: Penetrating Keratoplasty 1

Poster Presentation, Hall A

2544 – B389

DEEP LAMELLAR KERATOPLASTY: REFRACTIVE RESULTS

JF Kirwan, R Dalton, M Teimory, C K Rostron

Department of Ophthalmology St George's Hospital, London

Purpose:  Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty (DLK) is an alternative to Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) in the management of corneal disease. There is a reduced risk of graft rejection. We compared the refractive results of patients undergoing DLK with those undergoing PK.

Method: The records of patients having undergone DLK were reviewed, and refractive results compared with those of a group of patients having undergone PK performed by the same surgeon.

Results: DLK was performed on 31 eyes in 30 patients. Mean age was 56 years (range 14-79). Indications included Keratoconus, Herpes simplex keratitis, Herpes zoster, pterygium and trachoma. Of these cases 16, had a stable refraction. Reasons for non availability of refractive data included: poor vision due to co-existent pathology, loss to follow-up, and mental handicap. The mean post-operative cylinder in those cases suitable for study was 3.2 dioptres (range 1.5-5.5). This compared with a mean post operative cylinder in the PK cases of 2.7 dioptres (range 0.5-6). Eight patients were prescribed spectacles, five used a contact lens, and three preferred unaided visual acuity.

Conclusion: The refractive results following DLK appear to be comparable to those of PK. Further data is required to make a more complete analysis.

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