“Double bubble” deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for management of corneal stromal pathologies

Abstract

‘Big Bubble’ deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is becoming an accepted corneal transplantation technique for keratoconus and other anterior stromal corneal pathologies that spare the Descemet’s membrane (DM) and endothelium. However, it is not always possible to conclusively recognise formation and identification of the ‘Big Bubble’. We describe the surgical technique of DALK called ‘Double Bubble’ technique that allows the surgeon to definitely and immediately identify the formation of an adequate big bubble. DALK was performed using the ‘Double Bubble’ technique in twelve eyes of twelve patients with corneal stromal pathologies (keratoconus, 9 eyes; macular corneal dystrophy, 2 eyes; postinfectious keratitis corneal stromal scar, 1 eye) at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne. Big bubble was successfully formed in 10 eyes. Maximum-depth deep lamellar keratoplasty was performed in two eyes. There were no instances of intraoperative perforation of the DM. All grafts were clear at last follow-up. Best-corrected visual acuity of ≥20/40 was achieved in all the cases at last follow-up (6–12 months). ‘Double Bubble’ DALK helps in identification of the big bubble and has the potential to increase the success of standard ‘Big Bubble’ DALK in patients with corneal stromal pathologies sparing the DM and endothelium.