A Partial-Thickness Corneal Transplant
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is a partial-thickness corneal transplant procedure that specifically targets the outer layers of the cornea, replacing the damaged stroma while leaving the healthy endothelium and Descemet’s membrane intact. This approach preserves the innermost corneal layer, reducing the risk of rejection and improving overall outcomes compared to full-thickness transplants.
Indications for Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
DALK is most suitable for conditions where the damage is confined to the front layers of the cornea, such as:
- Keratoconus: Particularly advanced cases where the cornea’s shape has become severely irregular, but the endothelium remains functional.
- Corneal Scarring: Superficial to mid-depth scarring due to trauma, infection, or dystrophic diseases.
- Stromal Dystrophies: Disorders like granular or lattice dystrophy that affect the corneal stroma but spare the endothelium.
By preserving the endothelial layer, DALK offers a highly effective and safer alternative to full-thickness transplantation in patients whose inner corneal layers are healthy.