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Lamellar Keratoplasty in Keratoconus

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Keratoconus

Abstract

Keratoconus is the most common form of corneal ectasia occurring in young individuals. Recent advances in the corneal tomography and biomechanics have led to very early detection of keratoconus. Timely diagnosis and appropriate counseling can help prevent progression, decreasing the need for corneal transplantation. Among the corneal transplantation techniques, lamellar and penetrating corneal transplantations are the procedures of choice for advanced diseases. Currently, most performed lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus is deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). The DALK has evolved over the years to the current form of big bubble technique. Though the visual and refractive outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty are comparable to DALK, DALK is the preferred treatment of choice considering benefits including reduced graft rejection rates and less severe long-term complications. This chapter reviews the various anterior lamellar surgical techniques along with clinical outcomes in advanced keratoconus. Special emphasis is laid on DALK as it is the common procedure practiced and its comparison with PKP.

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Reddy, J.C., Modiwala, Z., Mathew, M. (2022). Lamellar Keratoplasty in Keratoconus. In: Das, S. (eds) Keratoconus. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-4262-4_16

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