title: Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with melles technique for granular corneal dystrophy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the Melles technique in granular corneal dystrophy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven eyes from 5 patients who underwent DALK using Melles technique for granular corneal dystrophy were included in this study. The parameters evaluated included patients' demographics, preoperative and postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuities (BSCVAs), and timing and pattern of recurrence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the patients was 37 +/- 9.4 years (range 29-46 years) at the time of surgery. The mean length of follow-up (DALK to last visit) was 38.4 +/- 18.6 months (range 10-63 months). The procedure was performed without any major complication in all eyes. Mean preoperative BSCVA was 20/220 (range 20/400 to 20/100), which improved to 20/27 (range 20/30 to 20/25) at 6 months after DALK. Mean BSCVA was 20/50 (range 20/400-20/20) at last follow-up. Simple recurrence occurred in 5 (71%) of 7 eyes. The mean time from surgery to recurrence was 15.6 +/- 1.8 months (range 13-16 months). Clinically significant recurrences occurred 34 +/- 2 months after the procedures in 3 (43%) of 7 eyes. Two (30%) of 7 eyes had no recurrence at all.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although granular corneal dystrophy is likely to recur after DALK, this technique can restore and preserve useful visual function for a significant period in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmic Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Salouti
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hosseini
authors.forename: Masoomeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Eghtedari
authors.forename: Mohammad R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Khalili
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity