[A three years follow-up study on microkeratome associated deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the therapeutic effects and side effects of microkeratome associated deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (MDLEK).


METHODS
Six patients with bulbous keratopathy who underwent MDLEK were follow up for three years.


RESULTS
The best corrected visual acuity improved obviously in 5 cases within 3 months post operation and kept stable afterward during the follow up time. One of them even arrived 14/20. Meanwhile the Astigmatism averaged (2.04 +/- 1.19)D 3 months post operation and from then on decreased gradually. Pachymetry appeared almost normal and showed stabilization. Post-operative endothelial cells density decreased in a model similar to that in penetrating keratoplasty. Keratocytes were found to be normal by confocal microscope and there was no scar in the visual axial area 12 months post operation. The deep sutures caused no neovascularization and rejection.


CONCLUSIONS
MDLEK is a safe and applied surgical therapy for bulbous keratopathy with shorter visual recovery time, lower astigmatism and approving optical property of post-operative corneal.
Shao
Yingfeng
Y
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China. syingfeng@msn.com
Chen
Jiaqi
J
Wang
Zheng
Z
Zhou
Shiyou
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014792:Visual Acuity