Results of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Advanced Keratoconus in Children Less Than 18 Years.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in children with advanced keratoconus.

DESIGN

Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 20 eyes of 16 patients who underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty at a tertiary eye care center for advanced keratoconus. The main preoperative parameters measured were decimal uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), decimal best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and average keratometry. The average keratometry was taken as an average of the flat and steep keratometric readings. The follow-up ranged from 24 to 105 months. The main outcome measures were UCVA, BCVA, steep and flat simulated keratometry, refraction, graft clarity, and complications.

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, 18 patients had clear grafts in the visual axis area. Mean decimal UCVA changed from 0.06 ± 0.08 to 0.24 ± 0.09. Mean decimal BCVA changed from 0.12 ± 0.19 to 0.45 ± 0.24. The average keratometry decreased from 64.15 diopter (D) to 45.7 D after surgery. The complications noted in the patients were graft rejection (1), shield ulcers (2), graft infection (2), and interface vascularization (4). They were managed accordingly and only 1 patient needed penetrating keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

DALK is an effective therapeutic modality for the management of advanced keratoconus in children.