More support for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty over penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus, but questions remain

In this study, Borderie et al demonstrate long-term advantages of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) compared to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in the treatment of keratoconus. In particular, they noted differences in long-term endothelial cell count and tendency to develop ocular hypertension favoring the DALK group. This is one of the largest studies on this topic; it provides long-term insight due to its extended follow-up period, and it reinforces the findings published in a previous report from the same group.1 While the current body of evidence suggests that DALK may be comparable in some ways, and superior in others to PK, in this long-term follow-up, single surgeon study that included 502 eyes, with approximately a quarter followed-up for 15 years or more, the authors provide compelling evidence that DALK is advantageous to PK in keratoconus eyes. However, PK led to favorable results, as well. Despite the advent of...
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Commentaries Source Type: research