[Deep layer posterior keratoplasty: preliminary data]

The paper presents preliminary results of deep layer keratoplasty first performed in Russian ophthalmology. It describes its surgical techniques. Deep layer posterior keratoplasty was made in 3 patients with epithelial-and-endothelial dystrophy of the cornea. The operation was simultaneously made with ultrasound cataract phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation artificial in one case. In the early postoperative period, the fixed position of a transparent keratograft was achieved and the epithelial layer also recovered without signs of bullous keratopathy. The immediate results of posterior keratoplasty inspire optimism. Deep layer keratoplasty is technically more difficult than penetrating keratoplasty, more painstaking and more prolonged. At the same time it has no shortcomings typical of penetrating keratoplasty. The procedure of deep layer keratoplasty requires further long-term study, simplification of surgical techniques, detection of possible complications, and modes of their correction.