Ferrara Technique of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Keratoconus Treatment

Purpose: To report the first clinical results of application Ferraras technique of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (FDALK) in patients with keratoconus. Materials and methods: Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients with advanced keratoconus were included in the study. All patients were operated by the FDALK technique. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal topography and corneal astigmatism were evaluated. Intra- and postoperative complications are described. results: Uncorrected visual acuity improved in from 20/400 to 20/125; corrected visual acuity improved from 20/300 to 20/48. The mean follow-up was 19.3 months (sd: 7.1). Corneal topography (Pentacam ® ) showed significant corneal flattening in all cases. Microperforations of the Descemets membrane, requiring conversion to penetrating keratoplasty, occurred in two cases. conclusion: The FDALK technique is a safe and effective technique to be applied in patients with keratoconus. Visual outcome is comparable to PK, with advantage of preserving recipient endothelium, which lessens the risk of endothelium rejection.