Comparison the post operative refractive errors in same size corneal transplantation through deep lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty methods after sutures removing in keratoconus patients.

BACKGROUND: Corneal transplantation is a surgery in which cornea is replaced by a donated one and can be completely penetrating keratoplasty (PK) or included a part of cornea deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK). Although the functional results are limited by some complications, it is considered as one of the most successful surgeries. This study aimed to compare the refractive errors after same size corneal transplantation through DLK and PK methods in keratoconus patients over 20 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, analytical study was conducted in Feiz Hospital, Sadra and Persian Clinics of Isfahan in 2013-2014. In this study, 35 patients underwent corneal transplantation by PK and 35 patients by DLK, after removing the sutures, the patients were compared in terms of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive errors. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and t Student tests by SPSS software.

RESULTS: The BCVA mean in DLK and PK groups was 6/10 ± 2/10 and 5/10 ± 2/10, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.4). The results showed 9 cases of DLK and 6 cases of PK had normal (8/10 ≤ BCVA) visual acuity (25.7% vs. 17.1%), 24 cases of DLK and 27 cases of PK had mild vision impairment (68.6% vs. 77.1%) and 2 cases of the DLK group and 2 cases of PK had moderate vision impairment, (5.7% vs. 5.7%), there was no significant difference in "BCVA" (P = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS: Both methods were acceptably effective in improving BCVA, but according to previous articles (5,9,10) the DLK method due to fewer complications and less risk of rejection was superior to another method and in the absence of any prohibition this method is recommended.