The preferred type of corneal transplant for keratoconus and corneal scars is an anterior lamellar keratoplasty or ALK which is a partial thickness corneal transplant . In this type of transplant only the part of the cornea with the problem (in this case, the front of the cornea) is replaced. In the pictures below, two layers sandwiched together can be seen. The top (anterior or front) thick layer is the layer that is the transplanted donor cornea. The bottom (posterior or back) thin layer is the patient’s residual corneal layer after the top (anterior or front) scarred layers have been removed.
Anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK)
ALK “Partial Thickness” Corneal Transplant
If you have advance keratoconus, ALK may be helpful in restoring a more clear and normally shaped cornea that then allows greater success in wearing specialty contact lenses. The result is better vision with a more comfortable and better fitting contact.
Photos Of The Types Of Corneal Transplants