title: [Perspectives of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current indications, techniques, results and complications of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty are described.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study comprised a literature review and own clinical and experimental results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The main advantage of DALK in patients with keratoconus and other anterior stromal diseases is the avoidance of endothelial immune reactions and the main drawback is the conversion rate to penetrating keratoplasty of around 15%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the big bubble approach DALK is a safe and reliable technique for treating keratoconus and anterior stromal dystrophy.
authors: Augenklinik des Universitätsklinikums Köln, Universität zu Köln, Joseph-Stelzmann Str. 9, 50924, Köln, Deutschland. claus.cursiefen@uk-koeln.de
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Cursiefen
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Heindl
mesh_terms: D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000601:surgery; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D057111:Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D020858:Tissue and Organ Harvesting / Q000379:methods; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology