Femtosecond Laser DALK is a highly advanced form of grafting that replaces the front and middle layers of a damaged cornea, leaving the healthy inner layer (endothelium) intact while using a femtosecond laser to sculpt both donor and host tissue for ultra-precise alignment.
This laser-guided “Zag-Square” or “lock-and-key” pattern technique was developed at Centre for Sight and offers a mechanically strong wound, faster visual rehabilitation, and reduced astigmatism compared to manual grafts.
Please note that your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment option tailored to your specific case.
| Procedure | How it works | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DALK | Partial-thickness graft; replaces front/middle cornea | Advanced keratoconus with healthy endothelium | Lower rejection risk; preserves deeper layers | Technically complex; may not address full-thickness damage |
| FSDALK | Same graft level as DALK, but with femtosecond-laser assisted incision and donor fit | Keratoconus needing highest precision | Improved wound fit; faster visual recovery; reduced astigmatism | Requires high-specialist skill; potentially higher cost |
| PK | Full-thickness graft replacing all corneal layers | Severe cases, advanced scarring | Comprehensive solution for severe damage | Longer recovery; higher rejection/complication risk |
You may be considered for FSDALK if you:
During a detailed consultation we assess your corneal thickness, shape, cell count, clarity, prior treatments, and overall ocular health. Some factors such as full‐thickness damage, endothelial failure, retinal disease or unsuitable tissue quality, may mean a different graft type is more appropriate.
Your consultant will provide a personalised risk-and-benefit discussion based on your eye’s specific needs.
| Benefits (vary by procedure): | Risks/side effects (not exhaustive): |
|---|---|
| Significant improvement in vision clarity and stability when keratoconus or scarring advances. | Graft rejection or failure (though lower in partial-thickness surgeries) |
| Retention of the patient’s own endothelial cells reduces rejection risk and improves long-term success. | Infection, elevated intra-ocular pressure, suture complications |
| Use of laser‐assisted grafting improves wound integrity, may speed up recovery and reduce induced astigmatism. | Longer stabilisation time compared to simpler procedures — some improvements may take several months |
Fill out our online form or call our team. Our enquiry staff will guide you through your first steps towards clearer vision.
We perform detailed corneal imaging (topography, pachymetry, endothelial cell count), evaluate scarring, lens health and ocular surface to ensure suitability.
Meet with your corneal specialist consultant. Review results, discuss graft options including FSDALK, benefits, risks, and expected recovery before you decide.
Surgery scheduled at our dedicated eye-care hospital; graft type selected for your specific condition and surgical plan tailored to you.
Structured follow-up and monitoring extend beyond months; graft health, vision clarity and eye-pressure are tracked, and you’ll have access to our 24-hour helpline.
Please contact us to obtain your personalised quote. Graft technique, donor tissue type and complexity influence cost.
FSDALK uses a femtosecond laser to make ultra-precise incisions in both host and donor cornea, resulting in interlocking wound patterns that improve stability, reduce astigmatism and may speed recovery.
While some visual improvement may occur early, full stabilisation can take several months as healing progresses. Every case is unique.
No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation — patients are comfortable throughout.
Options include enhancement surgery, graft revision or a different graft type. Your consultant will discuss contingency plans before surgery.
Our corneal surgeons are internationally recognised, we use pioneering femtosecond laser graft techniques (including the Zag-Square method), and we provide personalised care for complex keratoconus cases.
