Comparison of densitometric profile after deep lamellar keratoplasty with two different techniques for treatment of keratoconus

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare densitometric outcome of two techniques of deep lamellar keratoplasty using Pentacam HR corneal densitometry software. METHODS: Postoperative outcomes of 31 patients with big bubble (BB) and 28 patients with Melles (M) surgery for the treatment of keratoconus were evaluated. Data were gathered at least 3 months after the removal of all sutures including demographic data, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refraction and endothelial cell count. Moreover, the Scheimpflug images were taken by Pentacam((R)) HR to assess keratometric profile, densitometric outcomes in different depths and zones of the cornea and central corneal thickness. Anterior segment OCT was performed in ten cases of M group. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes with BB and 27 eyes M surgery were enrolled. Comparison of densitometric profile between groups revealed no statistical significance in zone 0-2 mm, zone 2-6 mm and zone 10-12 mm in all depths (all P values > 0.05). Zone 6-10 mm of M group had lower densitometric readings (more transparent) in anterior, central and posterior layers of the cornea in comparison with BB group (all P < 0.05). Also no statistical difference was found in UCDVA, BSCVA, spherical or cylindrical refractive error, and spherical equivalent, keratometric readings, endothelial cell count and central corneal thickness in two groups (all P values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Densitometric profiles were identical in both methods in visually important zones so as visual and refractive outcomes.