1 year posterior corneal changes after Bowman Layer Transplant for keratoconus

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Keratoconus Treatment

Background:

• Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia.
• Bowman Layer Transplant is a surgical option for advanced keratoconus.
• Understanding posterior corneal changes is crucial for evaluating surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate posterior corneal changes following Bowman Layer Transplant.
• To assess the impact of Bowman Layer Transplant on corneal topography.
• To differentiate anterior versus posterior corneal alterations post-transplant.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 5 eyes from 5 patients with advanced keratoconus.
• Patients underwent Bowman Layer Transplant at a UK tertiary hospital.
• Preoperative and postoperative posterior corneal astigmatism, posterior Kmean, and back surface elevation were analyzed.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant changes were observed in posterior corneal astigmatism.
• Posterior Kmean remained stable post-transplant.
• Back surface elevation showed no significant alterations after the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Bowman Layer Transplant does not induce significant posterior corneal changes.
• Observed corneal modifications are likely confined to the anterior corneal surface.
• This finding supports the anterior-centric nature of Bowman Layer Transplant effects.