LaserVision

Treatment at a glance

Treatment Time

60-90 Minutes

Anaesthetic

General Anaesthetic

Downtime

1-4 Weeks

Longevity

Permanent Results

Key Benefit

Improved Vision

What is SALK - Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty - Surgery?

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SALK-What Is

During a SALK surgical procedure a layer of the donor cornea, consisting of approximately one third of the full thickness of the cornea is prepared and is used to replace the anterior part of the patient’s cornea.

This donor tissue is then sutured into place where the tissue has been removed. SALK is a more technically challenging procedure but leaves the eye structurally stronger and there is very little chance of graft rejection. There is also more rapid visual recovery than deeper corneal transplant techniques.

A number of conditions may lead to the cornea losing its transparency and thus visual properties. If these abnormalities are not too deep and situated in the anterior (front) part of the cornea then SALK surgery under anesthesia may be considered an option. These include: Herpes simplex keratitis, contact-lens related infection, scarring and trauma. 

Conditions that are particularly amenable to SALK are those characterised by superficial irregular opacities, such as: superficial corneal scarring, Reis-Buckler, granular, and lattice corneal dystrophies. A SALK procedure requires the patient to have a healthy corneal endothelium and posterior stroma.

During a SALK surgical procedure a layer of the donor cornea, consisting of approximately one third of the full thickness of the cornea is prepared and is used to replace the anterior part of the patient’s cornea.

This donor tissue is then sutured into place where the tissue has been removed. SALK is a more technically challenging procedure but leaves the eye structurally stronger and there is very little chance of graft rejection. There is also more rapid visual recovery than deeper corneal transplant techniques.

A number of conditions may lead to the cornea losing its transparency and thus visual properties. If these abnormalities are not too deep and situated in the anterior (front) part of the cornea then SALK surgery under anesthesia may be considered an option. These include: Herpes simplex keratitis, contact-lens related infection, scarring and trauma. 

Conditions that are particularly amenable to SALK are those characterised by superficial irregular opacities, such as: superficial corneal scarring, Reis-Buckler, granular, and lattice corneal dystrophies. A SALK procedure requires the patient to have a healthy corneal endothelium and posterior stroma.

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Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of SALK Surgery?

  • Improve vision
  • Treat corneal conditions causing superficial scarring or opacities in the cornea.

How is Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Performed?

  • 1.Usually under general anaesthetic in the operating theatre.
  • 2.Patient is laid flat on the treatment bed.
  • 3.Povidone iodine clean, sterile drape applied, and eyelid support inserted.
  • 4.Partial thickness of the central section of the host cornea is removed and donor cornea sutured into place.
  • 5.Topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drops applied.
LaserVision-Treatments-SALK-How
LaserVision-FAQ-Main

Salk: More information

Both SALK and DALK are partial thickness transplants and require a healthy and clear endothelium. SALK is where the epithelium and only the superficial one third of stroma are removed. Whereas DALK involves removal of most if not all of the stroma leaving just the descemet’s membrane and endothelial cells.

Visual recovery for eyes after a SALK / DALK medical procedure takes several months. Typically, vision is poor in the first few days. Vision can be expected a month after surgery and the patient may notice small incremental improvements up to 12 months following surgery. SALK may show more rapid visual recovery than DALK.

Patients are commenced on a course of eye drops including: steroid and antibiotics. These drops are gradually reduced over 12 months. Some irritation, grittiness or aching of the eye is normal after SALK / DALK. Severe pain is unusual. The eye can also feel itchy. It is important not to rub or touch the eye. Patients must ensure they follow the instructions you were given regarding medication. Following a corneal transplant, patients are required to be careful / minimise any risk of trauma to the operated eye. They will require repeated regular attendance in eye clinics. Sutures are usually removed 12-18 months after surgery.

Although Laser Vision has a high success rate with the SALK procedure, the following complications need to be considered as a possibility: loose suture / graft dehiscence,  infection, and allergies.

Surgery takes around 60-90 minutes and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.

Treatment Options

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Related Concerns

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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