![]() However, DALK in general is a more challenging surgical procedure compared to a PK procedure, the learning curve for DALK remains considerable.ĭiagram: Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – Replacement of the front layers of cornea With a well-performed DALK procedure, it is also often possible to achieve excellent visual quality, and because the risk of rejection is much less, less anti-rejection steroid eyedrops are used after surgery, which also means a reduction in other complications such as glaucoma, and infection. The major advantage of DALK is that the risk of corneal transplant rejection is reduced to a 1-2% risk, compared to PK surgery, where the risk of rejection may be as high as 10-15%. The commonest ALK procedure today is Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK), where all the front layers of the cornea are fully exchanged. There are basically 2 forms of modern Lamellar Keratoplasty:ĪLK procedures involve exchanging only the front layers of the cornea, leaving the innermost layer (the Endothelial Layer), intact and unchanged. ![]() These forms of partial thickness corneal transplantation are termed Lamellar Keratoplasty procedures, and they have transformed how we perform corneal transplants today. The major advantages to just replacing the diseased layers, and leaving the healthy layers untouched, include a stronger eye after surgery, better visual quality, and most importantly, a marked reduction in complications during surgery, as well as after surgery, such as corneal transplant rejection, which leads to better long-term success rates overall. Several more recent forms of corneal transplantation procedures now exist, and it is now possible to selectively replace different layers of the cornea, whilst retaining the unaffected layers. The replacement of the cloudy cornea, with a clear and healthy new cornea, restores vision to the corneal transplant patient. This new approach of anterior segment reconstruction of the front of the eye combines the latest techniques of selective corneal replacement, iris, and lens replacement to restore vision in the most complex forms of damage to the front of the eye.Ĭorneal Transplantation is a surgical procedure, in which the diseased layers of the cornea are replaced by healthy donor corneal tissue donated by another individual when he or she passes away. Technologies and surgical procedures now allow for replacement of the Cornea (Corneal Transplantation), and also the Iris (Artificial Iris Surgery), which can restore vision. Abnormalities of the iris, such as iris defects or deficiencies, which may occur after trauma, glaucoma and after cataract surgery, adds further to visual deficiencies and glare. In addition to the cornea, other associated structures in the front, or anterior segment of the eye, such as the iris (pupil) or lens may also be affected. The cornea has several layers consisting of different tissue layers – some corneal diseases affect only inner or outer layers, while other corneal diseases may affect all the layers of the cornea. If the cornea is damaged or distorted by injuries or infection, or becomes cloudy due to various corneal diseases, vision may be significantly reduced, or lost. The cornea is the clear transparent window at the front of the eye, allowing light to focus and enter the eye. The Cornea and Anterior Segment of the Eye Current forms of Corneal Transplantation, Artificial Cornea Surgery, Artificial Iris Surgery, and Pterygium Surgery can now be performed with less complications and good success rates. Fortunately, developments in surgical technique and ophthalmic technologies now allow us to successfully treat many blinding corneal conditions. As we age, the incidence of age-related corneal degeneration increases, and corneal diseases are a significant cause of blindness in both developed, and developing countries. ![]() Diseases of the Cornea and Anterior Segment of the eye are increasing in prevalence.
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