Diamond ophthalmic burr-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty – Case series

Abstract

This case series presents a simple technique using the diamond ophthalmic burr (DOB) to perform successful deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in cases where the big-bubble technique is unsuitable or intraoperative Descemet membrane perforation occurs. Five patients underwent DOB-assisted DALK, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated, including best-corrected visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, residual host tissue thickness, and postoperative endothelial cell count. Manual corneal lamellar dissection was performed, followed by DOB-assisted pre-Descemet layer polishing and donor graft attachment using 16 (10-0) Monofilament Nylon sutures. The postoperative visual acuity significantly improved. DOB-assisted DALK is a viable alternative.