Two-Year Outcomes of Simultaneous Double Lamellar Keratoplasty: A Novel Alternative to Repeat Penetrating Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Simultaneous Double Lamellar Keratoplasty (SDLK) as a surgical alternative to repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for cases involving both stromal pathology and endothelial graft failure.

METHODS

Three patients with failed PK and evidence of both stromal and endothelial pathology underwent SDLK. The procedure combined deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in a single operation. Outcome measures included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), topographic astigmatism, and postoperative complications, assessed over a 24-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

All patients achieved significant improvements in visual acuity and reduced astigmatism. Final CDVA ranged from 0.04 to 0.30 logMAR. One patient had an intraoperative microperforation, which was successfully managed. Postoperative complications included 1 case of partial DSAEK detachment, resolved with rebubbling. No graft rejections were observed. The combination of DALK and DSAEK restored corneal clarity and improved astigmatism while minimizing the risks associated with open-sky surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

SDLK offers a viable alternative to repeat PK for managing combined stromal and endothelial failure. This approach preserves structural integrity, provides superior refractive outcomes, and facilitates future lamellar interventions. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings in larger cohorts.