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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty with melles technique for granular corneal dystrophy
Ramin Salouti1, Hamid Hosseini, Masoomeh Eghtedari
1Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Ophthalmic Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the Melles technique in granular corneal dystrophy.
Methods:
Seven eyes from 5 patients who underwent DALK using Melles technique for granular corneal dystrophy were included in this study. The parameters evaluated included patients' demographics, preoperative and postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuities (BSCVAs), and timing and pattern of recurrence.
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 37 +/- 9.4 years (range 29-46 years) at the time of surgery. The mean length of follow-up (DALK to last visit) was 38.4 +/- 18.6 months (range 10-63 months). The procedure was performed without any major complication in all eyes. Mean preoperative BSCVA was 20/220 (range 20/400 to 20/100), which improved to 20/27 (range 20/30 to 20/25) at 6 months after DALK. Mean BSCVA was 20/50 (range 20/400-20/20) at last follow-up. Simple recurrence occurred in 5 (71%) of 7 eyes. The mean time from surgery to recurrence was 15.6 +/- 1.8 months (range 13-16 months). Clinically significant recurrences occurred 34 +/- 2 months after the procedures in 3 (43%) of 7 eyes. Two (30%) of 7 eyes had no recurrence at all.
Conclusions:
Although granular corneal dystrophy is likely to recur after DALK, this technique can restore and preserve useful visual function for a significant period in these patients.
