Comparison of Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty and Penetrating Keratoplasty in Patients with Keratoconus: A Clinical Trial Study

There are different surgical methods for the treatment of patients with keratoconus. The aim of this study was to compare deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) methods.

This clinical trial was performed between 2009 and 2011 on 30 Iranian patients. Subjects were recruited consecutively in Feiz hospital, Isfahan, Iran and were randomly entered two groups (each one including 15 cases) under the treatment of DLK or PK.

Two groups (DLK vs. PK) were matched in age (29.4 ± 2.3 vs. 30.9 ± 4.1, P = 0.61) and sex (P = 0.23). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was decreased significantly in both groups and no difference was found between the decline level between the groups (P = 0.142). Also, regarding improvement of refractive problems, no difference was observed in decline of spherical equivalent (P = 0.533) and astigmatism (P = 0.791). Mean time of suture removal was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in DLK group (6.20 ± 2.11 months) versus PK group (10.93 ± 2.40 months). No complications were observed during both procedures. However, after PK, four cases complicated with endothelial rejection and one with graft failure. Also, after DLK, one case with interface neovascularization and another with stromal rejection were observed.

Both methods are effective in reducing the refractive status of keratoconus patients and result in proper BCVA improvement. However, DLK seems to have more successfulness and fewer complications.