Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine if a new non-transplant approach to treat Fuchs dystrophy and other corneal endothelial disorders can be achieved by posterior rotation of the cornea.
Methods: :
Femtosecond laser was used on create an eccentric posterior lamella of approximately 200 microns. Through a clear cornea incision this is rotated to bring peripheral endothelium to the visual axis and diseased endothelium to the periphery
Results: :
A series of 6 cadaver eyes was used to show that intralase assisted posterior endothelial rotational lamellar keratoplasty can be successfully performed. Results from initial patient outcomes indicate surgical feasibility and early promise in optical rehabilitation.
Conclusions: :
PERL-K offers a new approach to treat Fuchs dystrophy and early bullous keratopathy by rotating healthy peripheral endothelium to the center without transplant tissue or sutures.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • cornea: endothelium