Intrastromal Descemet Membrane Transplantation as a Potential Alternative to Bowman Layer Inlays in Eyes With Advanced Keratoconus

Herein, we report the outcomes of intrastromal Descemet membrane (DM) transplantation in corneas with advanced keratoconus. Three eyes (three patients) showed advanced keratoconus. No eye underwent prior UV-cross-linking or any other ocular surgery. In all eyes, A donor DM was implanted into a mid-stromal pocket and clinical outcomes were evaluated up to 24 months after surgery. All procedures were uneventful. Up to 24 months postoperatively, the DM graft was well-positioned and barely visible within the recipient stroma; all corneas were clear. No eye showed signs of keratoconus progression throughout the follow-up. No changes were observed in uncorrected and best contact lens corrected visual acuity, central endothelial cell density, corneal thinnest point pachymetry, and maximum keratometry values. No early or late postoperative complications were observed. Intrastromal DM transplantation may be an alternative to intrastromal Bowman layer transplantation in advanced keratoconus, to postpone deep anterior lamellar or penetrating keratoplasty.