CHAPTER 69 Deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) is a split-thickness (lamellar transplant) form of corneal transplantation. When this procedure is performed, a smaller incision is used, and only the diseased tissue is removed. The remainder of the patient’s cornea remains intact. This procedure involves the replacement of the back layers of the cornea rather than the front layers. It is performed through a small pocket incision, which avoids any changes in the front surface of the cornea. In the DLEK procedure, one to three tiny sutures are placed, rather than the 16 regular sutures or one to two long looping sutures in a circle that are used in penetrating keratoplasty (PK). In the DLEK procedure, the cornea has a smoother surface and a clearer transplant, which allows many of the patients to see better in a matter of weeks instead of the months or years in a standard full-thickness corneal transplant. Possible instruments needed for the procedure include a cataract removal set.
Deep Lamellar Endothelial Keratoplasty (DLEK)
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