Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with phacoemulsification

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the technique and outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) combined with phacoemulsification for corneal opacity with coexisting cataract. SETTING: Cornea Service, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Eyes with cataract of varied nucleus grade and with different corneal pathologies were selected. Modified triple procedures were performed in all eyes. RESULTS: Twenty eyes were evaluated. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) after 3 months was 20/60 or better in 18 eyes. One eye had 20/80 CDVA as a result of perioperative and postoperative complications. One graft became opaque after postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous DALK with phacoemulsification was feasible in eyes with coexisting corneal and lenticular pathology, and the outcomes were encouraging. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.