Partial-Thickness Intrastromal Lamellar Keratoplasty for Corneal Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Abstract

Purpose: Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a bilateral corneal ectatic disorder, characterized by thinning of the inferior cornea. Numerous surgical procedures have been described in the literature, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the best available surgical management. Recently, full-thickness intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty (ILK) was described as an option for treating PMD and emerged as a promising technique. However, ILK results in an irregular surface, leading to a significant residual against-therule (ATR) astigmatism.

Methods: This study describes a variation of the ILK technique, using a partial-thickness graft to treat 2 cases of PMD.

Results: At the final follow-up, both patients improved visual acuity and had their mean simulated keratometry flattened, although a residual ATR astigmatism remained.

Conclusions: The ILK technique modification might lead to a more regular thickness pattern, although it did not seem efficient in reducing the ATR astigmatism.