Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in Korean patients with Avellino dystrophy

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in Korean patients with Avellino dystrophy. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 4 eyes (4 patients) with recurrent Avellino dystrophy after phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Genetic study was performed on 2 patients to confirm the diagnosis. Partial-thickness donor cornea (devoid of endothelium and Descemet membrane) was transplanted onto a recipient bed after deep lamellar dissection and removal of recipient stroma. Visual acuity, refractive error, keratometry values, topographic astigmatism, and complications were evaluated after a follow-up period of at least 14 months. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.5 +/- 3.32 years, and the mean follow-up period was 17.5 +/- 3.11 months. Visual acuity was improved to >= 20/25 in all cases. Postoperative topographic astigmatism ranged from 1.2 to 4.9 D. In 1 case, double anterior chamber developed after the operation, which resolved after gas injection into the anterior chamber. During the follow-up period, there were no signs of graft rejection, and all grafts were transparent except one, in which small opacity recurred in the peripheral corneal stroma 13 months postoperatively. Conclusions: DALK is considered a good primary surgical option in patients with recurrent Avellino dystrophy after PTK.