Optimising deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using intraoperative online optical coherence tomography (iOCT).

Background/aims: To describe the use of intraoperative online optical coherence tomography (iOCT) for improving deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) surgery.

Methods: Retrospective case series of 6 eyes of 6 male patients with keratokonus, corneal dystrophy or herpetic stromal scars undergoing DALK were investigated using intraoperative optical coherence tomography and postsurgical image/video analysis. Main outcome measures were: visibility of surgical steps, especially, assessment of placement depth of injection needle, preparation of bare Descemet's membrane and drainage of interface fluid.

Results: iOCT enables real-time visualisation of all surgical steps of DALK procedure in all patients. Placement of air injection needle above Descemet's membrane was reliably monitored as was presence of bare Descemet's membrane and potential interface fluid.

Conclusions: iOCT assists with visualisation of injection needle placement and with assessment of bare Descemet's membrane as well as interface fluid during the DALK procedure. Overall iOCT may be a helpful device that supports surgeons in all steps of DALK procedure.