Evaluation of specular microscopic results in clear corneal graft after penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

To compare endothelial changes after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in clear corneal graft.Methods: In this study, fifty six eyes undergone DALK (DALK Group) and eighty two eyes undergone PK (PK Group) due to various reasons are included. After operation at 1st, 12th, 24th and 36th month central corneal endothelial cell density (CD) and variability coefficient(CV) value examined by specular microscopy of clear graft which have not had additional surgery, greft rejection or glaucoma during follow up period were compared.Results: Endothelial cell density in DALK group were 2426±587 cell/mm² 2289±579 cell/mm², 2222±541 cell/mm², 2175±521 cell/mm², in PK group were 2595±589 cell/mm², 2064±583 cell/mm², 1759±510 cell/mm² 1509±494 cell/mm² at 1st, 12th, 24th and 36th month respectively. Decrease in CD values were 5.9% at 12th month, 7.5% at 24th month and 9.4% at 36th month comparing with first month in DALK group. Decrease in CD values were 18.4% at 12th month, 30.2% at 24th month and 40.3% at 36th month comparing with first month in PK group. Variability coefficient (CV) values in group DALK were 23.3±6.2, 24.2±6.4, 24.2±6.1 and 24.5±5.6 at 1st,12th, 24th and 36th month respectively. Variability coefficient (CV) values in group PK were 19.6±3.4, 23.2±5.4, 25.9±6.2 and 27.5±5.7 at 1st,12th, 24th, and 36th months respectively.Conclusion: More polymegatism and more decrease in endothelial cell density with time were assessed in grafts undergone PK compared with grafts undergone DALK