Bowman Layer Transplantation for Treating Keratoconus—Preliminary Findings

Abstract

(1) Background: Mid-stromal isolated Bowman layer transplantation aims to reduce and stabilize corneal ectasia in patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this new surgical technique. (2) Methods: Following the PRISMA statement and checklist, we searched Medline, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Embase and used a broad systematic search strategy according to the Cochrane Collaboration. (3) Results: Eight studies with a total number of 120 eyes of 106 patients met our inclusion criteria. One month after Bowman layer transplantation, patients with keratoconus showed a significant decrease in the measured simulated keratometry (−4.74 D [95% CI −6.79 to −2.69]) and the maximum keratometry (−7.41 D [95% CI −9.64 to −5.19]), which remained significant one year postoperatively (−2.91 D [95% CI −5.29 to −0.53] and −5.80 D [−8.49 to −3.12]). Intra- and postoperative complications were observed in 3% and 9% of the patients, respectively. An estimated success rate of 75% to 85% was achieved by experienced surgeons at 5 to 8 years postoperatively. (4) Conclusions: Bowman layer transplantation may be an effective and safe treatment option in patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus. Additional multicenter prospective interventional studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

1. Introduction

Keratoconus is a bilateral, asymmetric, and often progressive protrusion and thinning of the cornea that results in high and irregular astigmatism, compromising visual function [1,2]. The overall prevalence rate is approximately 55 per 100,000 people [3]. The exact contribution of genetic, environmental, mechanical, and inflammatory factors remains unclear [4,5,6]. Different grading systems for classifying keratoconus have been proposed, e.g., the Amsler–Krumeich classification system, which is based on refraction, central keratometry, pachymetry, and the presence of corneal scarring, or the ABCD grading system, which also includes visual acuity [7,8,9].

The clinical presentation of keratoconus depends on disease severity (

Table 1. Treatment options.

Clinical Stage	Clinical Presentation	Treatment Options
Subclinical	First topographic changes visible	Spectacles, contact lenses, no eye rubbing
1	Simple evolutionary astigmatism	Spectacles, contact lenses, no eye rubbing, corneal cross-linking
2	Irregular astigmatism and myopia	Contact lenses, no eye rubbing, corneal cross-linking, intracorneal ring segment implantation, BLT
3	Deformation visible on slit lamp examination but cornea still clear	Contact lenses, no eye rubbing, corneal cross-linking (CCT > 400 μm), intracorneal ring-segment implantation, BLT
4	Important thinning with corneal scarring	DALK, PK

BLT = Bowman layer transplantation. CCT = central corneal thickness. DALK = deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. PK = penetrating keratoplasty.

). According to the keratoconus severity and visual demands of the patient, several treatments are available. Early treatment options include the use of spectacles or soft contact lenses. In moderate cases, specially designed soft contact lenses, hybrid, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, or scleral lenses are indicated [10].

In advanced stages with low visual acuity or contact lens intolerance, penetrating keratoplasty (PK), or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), remains the gold standard (Figure 1) [11,12]. The outcomes of these corneal graft surgeries are good, but postoperative complications related to sutures, epithelial wound healing, intraocular infections, graft rejection, peripheral keratoconus progression, or recurrent disease in the donor button are reported [13,14]. These complications can be particularly challenging in patients with coexistent atopic disease or ocular surface disorders [15,16]. Furthermore, young patients may need re-grafting at a later age, which is known to have less-favorable clinical outcomes [17].

To postpone the need for corneal transplantation in patients with progressive keratoconus with rather good vision, UV-induced collagen cross-linking may be indicated [18]. Moreover, intracorneal ring-segment implantation can be considered to improve vision and/or contact lens tolerance [19,20,21]. However, both treatment options are not advised in eyes with severe corneal thinning (<350 μm) and steepening (>58 D), as in advanced keratoconus [22,23,24,25,26]. Since each treatment option has side effects and limitations, the objective evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of new minimally invasive surgical techniques is paramount.

Bowman layer transplantation (BLT) is considered a promising alternative treatment in advanced, progressive keratoconus and can prevent most of the clinical challenges related to PK or DALK [27,28]. Since fragmentation and thinning of the Bowman layer are characteristics of advanced keratoconus [29], mid-stromal implantation of a donor Bowman layer could partially restore corneal anatomy and slow down or arrest the progression of the disease [27].

Donor tissue preparation for BLT consists of manually peeling the Bowman layer from the anterior stroma of a whole donor globe or a donor corneoscleral rim, which is mounted on a globe holder or an artificial anterior chamber [30]. Next, the epithelium is carefully debrided using surgical spears, and a superficial circular incision with a diameter of 9 to 11 mm is made within the limbal corneal periphery using a 30-gauge needle. Then, a McPherson forceps or custom-made tying forceps with round edges is used to lift and grasp the peripheral Bowman layer edge and peel the Bowman layer away from the underlying anterior stroma. Finally, the graft is submerged in 70% ethanol to remove any remaining epithelial cells, rinsed with BSS, and stored in organ culture medium before transplantation [27].

The first steps of the surgical technique resemble manual DALK surgery during which a stromal pocket is dissected over 360 degrees up to the limbus within the recipient cornea using an air bubble in the anterior chamber as a reference plane to judge the depth of dissection [27,31,32]. This dissection can be performed manually or with the assistance of a femtosecond laser [28,33,34]. In contrast with DALK surgery, the intended depth is 50% instead of 99%, allowing transplantation in very thin corneas and reducing the risk of intra-operative corneal perforation [11]. Air is then removed from the anterior chamber. Next, the Bowman layer graft is rinsed with BSS, stained with trypan blue, inserted through the scleral tunnel into the stromal pocket with or without the help of a glide, and stretched out to the corneal periphery and centered. Finally, the anterior chamber is re-pressurized with BSS. Postoperative medication includes topical Chloramphenicol 0.5% and dexamethasone 0.1%, followed by fluorometholone 0.1% tapering [27].

BLT aims to maintain functional visual acuity, preserve a patient’s corneal tissue, and delay or avoid more invasive surgeries such as PK or DALK while reducing the risk of postoperative complications [27]. These effects are reported as being stable with no significant differences after 6 to 18 months’ follow-up [28,32,35]. The Bowman layer graft induces a flattening of the cornea by pulling its anterior surface, which directly reduces the spherical aberration [27,35]. Intracorneal ring-segment implantation (polymethylmethacrylate) also induces this effect but the risk of migration and interface reaction is much lower for BLT. This is due to the similar mechanical characteristics of this tissue with the surrounding corneal stroma [27]. Furthermore, the risk of allograft rejection is considered negligible since the Bowman layer consists of collagen fibers with no cellular material. Flattening of the cornea in advanced keratoconus (approximately 8 D) improves contact lens tolerance [28,31].

However, introducing irregular interfaces or a layer with a different refraction index can lead to backscattering-inducing glare and lower contrast sensitivity [36,37]. Furthermore, perforation of the host Descemet membrane can occur intra-operatively [31,32]. Additionally, the weakening of the stroma due to the Bowman layer insertion can result in the accumulation of fluid in the form of “fluid lake-like hypodense areas” or hydrops. However, spontaneous resorption of hydrops is reported. Eye rubbing is identified as a risk behavior [37,38].

The aim of this review is to systematically investigate the effectiveness and safety of BLT as a selective, minimally invasive treatment for patients with advanced keratoconus. This is important given the novel characteristics of this treatment and the lack of large multicenter studies.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Search Strategy and Selection Criteria

Following the PRISMA statement and checklist (Appendix D) [39,40], we searched Medline, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Embase and used a broad systematic search strategy according to the Cochrane Collaboration (Appendix C). We searched for articles published up to 29 November 2022 using the terms “keratoconus”, “Bowman membrane”, and “corneal transplantation” without any language restrictions or limitations. The bibliographies of the included articles were screened until no new articles were found.

We included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, prospective and retrospective case series, and case-control studies of adults (≥18 years) with keratoconus. Included studies had to present one or more outcome measures of mid-stromal isolated BLT. The assessed outcome variables included the (1) best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (logMAR), (2) best contact lens-corrected visual acuity (logMAR), (3) pachymetry thinnest point (µm), (4) pachymetry central point (µm), (5) maximum keratometry (D), and (6) mean simulated keratometry (D).

Author Eline De Clerck (EDC) selected the eligible studies and author Ivo Guber (IG) checked the selection. Study selection was carried out in two stages. First, we screened papers by reading the title, abstract, and keywords. We excluded reviews, letters, and comments. Second, we screened the full text of eligible papers and included them if they assessed one or more of the preselected postoperative outcome measures. Studies were excluded if they included patients with non-keratoconus ectasia, e.g., post-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), if they used Bowman layer-only grafting, or if they used a Bowman-stromal inlay.

2.2. Data Extraction and Analysis

EDC reviewed the studies for inclusion and quality and extracted the pertinent clinical data. The data extraction sheet was based on the Cochrane Costumers and Communication Review Group’s data extraction template [41]. I.G. checked the data. Disagreements were resolved through discussion between the two review authors. Studies were not blinded with regard to the journal or any other aspect of the journal. The data extracted were the authors and year of publication, type of study, study design, country, number of patients with keratoconus, subgroups, inclusion and exclusion criteria, intervention (i.e., donor tissue, graft size, surgical technique, and postoperative medication), and the outcome variables studied, along with their mean values and standard deviations (SD). In addition, the age, sex, keratoconus stage, and the presence of corneal scarring were extracted.

Methodological quality was assessed according to the Delphi list [42] with one additional item.

Table 2. Quality assessment.

Source [42]	Quality Item	No. of Publications Scored “Yes”
Added by authors	Consecutive patients?	2 [28,36]
Delphi list	Were inclusion criteria specified?	8 [27,28,31,32,35,36,37,43]
Delphi list	Were exclusion criteria specified?	2 [32,35]
Delphi list	Were point estimates and measures of variability presented for the primary outcome measures?	8 [27,28,31,32,35,36,37,43]
Considered for Delphi list	Was calculation of statistical power reported?	6 [27,31,35,36,37,43]

describes the five quality items that were assessed. These domains were assessed by a score of “Yes” (high quality), “No” (low quality), or “Unclear” (uncertain quality).

The risk of bias was assessed according to the Cochrane guidelines [44]. Four domains were assessed: (1) Were the data collectors masked with respect to the identity of and medical results of the patients (performance bias)? (2) Were the outcome assessors masked with respect to the identity and medical results of the patients (detection bias)? (3) Were the reports of the study free of selective outcome reporting (reporting bias)? (4) Was the study free of other factors that could put it at risk of bias (selection bias, attrition bias, or other bias)? These domains were assessed by a score of “Yes” (low risk of bias), “No” (high risk of bias), or “Unclear” (uncertain risk of bias).

All pooled analyses were based on random-effects models because of the differences between the included studies in terms of the study population, intervention, and outcomes [45]. Statistical analyses were performed with Microsoft^® Excel^® 2016 MSO (Version 2302 Build 16.0.16130.20186) and Review Manager version 5.4.1.

The mean preoperative outcome variables of patients with keratoconus were compared with the postoperative outcome variables assessed 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively to assess the performance of BLT. Next, the complications of BLT were assessed. Finally, the success rate was evaluated.

The changes in the outcome variables were assessed with the summary point estimates from the random-effects meta-analyses and 95% CIs [46]. Negative values indicate that the outcome variable decreased in individuals after BLT surgery compared with the same outcome variable measured preoperatively. Heterogeneity between studies was addressed with a statistical Χ² and I² test (Χ² test: p < 0.05; I² test ≥30%) [47].

3. Results

3.1. Selected Studies

A total of 164 articles were identified through database searching. After removing duplicates, 125 articles were screened. Only 12 articles assessed BLT in patients with keratoconus. Finally, eight studies met our inclusion criteria (Figure 2).

The characteristics of the included studies are shown in

Table 3. Baseline characteristics of the study population.

Study	Number of Eyes/Patients	Age (Years)	Male Sex, n (%)	Keratoconus Stage	Eyes with Pre-Existing Corneal Scarring
Garcia de Oteyza 2019 [28]	2/2	-	-	IV	0
Luceri 2016 [36]	15/14	32 (17–71) *	6 (43)	III–IV	9
Shah 2022 [35]	11/11	18 (7)	8 (73)	III–IV	-
Tourkmani 2022 [32]	5/5	32 (21–40) *	-	III–IV	-
van der Star 2022 [43]	35/29	32 (13)	16 (55)	II–IV	19
van Dijk 2014 [27]	10/9	31 (16)	3 (33)	IV	-
van Dijk 2015 [31]	22/19	32 (13)	10 (53)	III–IV	12
van Dijk 2018 ** [37]	20/17	31 (12)	8 (47)	III–IV	12
Total	120/106	30 (7–71)	51	II–IV

* Data are mean (SD), except for 2 studies giving the range; ** Previously reported data at follow-ups 1 month and 1 year postoperatively [31].

and Appendix B. Six studies were retrospective case series [27,28,32,35,36,43], one study was a prospective case series [37], and one study was a prospective cohort study [31].

3.2. Quality Assessment

Information about the consecutiveness of the sample was insufficient in six out of the eight studies [27,31,32,35,37,43]. The selection criteria were heterogeneous among the studies. The studies included keratoconus stages II to IV (Table 3). One study excluded individuals with corneal opacities or healed hydrops [35] and one study excluded unsuccessful, complicated surgery [32]. All included studies reported point estimates and SDs for the outcome measures [27,28,31,32,35,36,37,43]. In one study, some of the outcome variables were only shown in box plots [36]. One study also reported outcome variables in the contralateral untreated eye [37].

The quality assessment of the included studies is shown in Appendix B. Table 2 shows the quality assessment questions used across the studies.

3.3. Risk of Bias in Included Studies

The risk of bias among the included studies is presented in detail in Appendix B. In none of the studies were the data collectors or the outcome assessors masked. In one of the studies, the presence of selective reporting was unclear [28]. All studies seemed to be subject to other sources of bias due to the relatively small sample size for the published studies and the absence of a control group.

3.4. Outcome Analyses and Investigation of Heterogeneity

Table 3 shows the baseline characteristics of the study population of the included studies. Eight studies with a total of 120 eyes of 106 patients with a mean age of 30 years within an age range of 7–71 years, including at least 51 males, met our inclusion criteria. According to the Amsler–Krumeich classification, one study included keratoconus stages II-IV [43], five studies included keratoconus stages III-IV [31,32,35,36,37], and two studies only included end-stage keratoconus [27,28].

Table 4. Clinical outcome measures during follow-up visits compared with pre-operative values.

Clinical Outcome Measures	Postoperative Follow-Up
	1 Month *	6 Months *	1 Year *
Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (logMAR)	−0.08 [−0.23 to 0.06]	−0.21 [−0.46 to 0.05]	−0.37 [−0.62 to −0.12] **
Best contact lens-corrected visual acuity (logMAR)	0.16 [0.00 to 0.32] **	0.04 [−0.06 to 0.14]	0.07 [−0.01 to 0.15]
Pachymetry thinnest point (μm)	35.36 [8.40 to 62.32] **	17.00 [−13.51 to 47.51]	21.09 [−2.04 to 44.22]
Pachymetry central point (μm)	27.28 [−2.72 to 57.28]	15.45 [−19.23 to 50.13]	24.39 [0.28 to 48.49] **
Maximum keratometry (D)	−7.41 [−9.64 to −5.19] **	−6.90 [−9.27 to −4.52] **	−5.80 [−8.49 to −3.12] **
Mean simulated keratometry (D)	−4.74 [−6.79 to −2.69] **	−4.79 [−7.11 to −2.48] **	−2.91 [−5.29 to −0.53] **

* Data are mean effect size (95% CI). ** Significant decrease or increase in postoperative outcome measures.

shows the numerical data for the outcome variables. The graphical data and the Χ² and I² values for heterogeneity are shown in full in Appendix A.

One year postoperatively, patients who underwent BLT had a significantly higher best spectacle-corrected visual acuity [−0.37 logMAR, 95% CI (−0.62 to −0.12), p < 0.01] and a significantly higher central point pachymetry [+24.39 µm, 95% CI (+0.28 to +48.49), p = 0.05]. Maximum keratometry was significantly decreased in patients 1 month [−7.41 D, 95% CI (−9.64 to −5.19), p < 0.001], 6 months [−6.90 D, 95% CI (−9.27 to −4.52), p < 0.001], and 1 year postoperatively [−5.80 D, 95% CI (−8.49 to −3.12), p < 0.001] compared to preoperative values. The mean simulated keratometry values were also significantly decreased in patients 1 month [−4.74 D, 95% CI (−6.79 to −2.69), p < 0.001], 6 months [−4.79 D, 95% CI (−7.11 to −2.48), p = 0.01], and 1 year postoperatively [−2.91 D, 95% CI (−5.29 to −0.53), p = 0.02] compared to preoperative values.

We found no heterogeneity in the estimates reported, except for the difference in the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (I² test = 67%) and best contact lens-corrected visual acuity (I² test = 30%) assessed one year postoperatively.

3.5. Complications and Success Rate

One hundred and three eyes were included in the assessment of the complications and success rate after the exclusion of duplicate data [31] and the inclusion of all complicated surgeries [35]. The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range of 3–60 months).

Intra- and postoperative complications were, respectively, observed in 3% and 9% of patients. Intraoperative perforation of the Descemet membrane occurred in 3% of eyes (N = 3), with a subsequent PK reported in 1% of eyes (N = 1) [32,37].

Six percent of eyes (N = 6) presented with acute hydrops at 43 months to 82 months postoperatively [37,43]. After topical treatment with dexamethasone eye drops and NaCl 5% ointment, corneal clearance with some residual scarring appeared in all eyes. Two percent of eyes (N = 2) presented with mild contact lens-related keratitis, one at 9 months and one at 75 months postoperatively [43]. One percent of eyes (N = 1) presented with a contact lens-related pseudomonas corneal ulcer at 54 months postoperatively (N = 1) [43].

Eight percent of eyes (N = 8) showed postoperative keratoconus progression [32,35,37,43]. One percent of eyes (N = 1) needed Bowman layer re-transplantation due to an unsatisfactory visual acuity result at 22 months postoperatively [43]. PK after intraoperative perforation of the Descemet membrane was needed in 1% of eyes (N = 1) [37]. If success for BLT is defined as the absence of postoperative keratoconus progression and the absence of re-transplantation, the estimated success rate varied between 75% and 85% at 5 to 8 years postoperatively (Kaplan–Meier analysis) [37,43].

4. Discussion

In this systematic review, we summarized the effectiveness and safety of mid-stromal isolated BLT in patients with keratoconus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to evaluate this new minimally invasive treatment option for patients with advanced keratoconus who are not eligible for UV-cross-linking or intracorneal ring-segment implantation, i.e., patients with eyes with severe corneal thinning and steepening [22,23,24,25,26]. This selective surgical technique aims to stabilize the corneal ectasia through the firmness of the graft and the wound-healing response [27,28]. Furthermore, the acellular nature of the Bowman layer graft typically eliminates the risk of allograft rejection.

The isolated Bowman layer graft can be prepared from a whole donor globe or a corneoscleral rim with equivalent success [30]. The latter preparation technique allows tissue economy since the remaining tissue can be re-used for endothelial grafts. The surgery itself consists of an extra-ocular technique, as the eye is never completely entered [11]. Thanks to the mid-stromal position of the graft, sutures can be avoided and the ocular surface remains intact. The use of the same surgical technique in all the included studies further strengthens the results of our analyses.

We noted that one month after BLT, patients with keratoconus showed a significant decrease in the measured simulated keratometry of approximately 4.5 D and a significant decrease in the maximum keratometry of approximately 7.5 D. Flattening was particularly pronounced in advanced keratoconus cases with central cones and remained significant one year postoperatively [31]. Two longitudinal studies showed that these topographic results also remained stable up to 8 years after surgery [37,43]. Therefore, we can conclude that BLT yields a long-lasting, optically improved anterior curvature.

The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity showed an initial increase one year postoperatively, which remained stable up to 5 years after surgery [37]. The best contact lens-corrected visual acuity remained stable after BLT. In addition, corneal higher-order aberrations, especially spherical aberrations, decreased up to one year after BLT [36].

Unfortunately, a postoperative increase in backscattering-inducing glare and lower contrast sensitivity has been described up to 5 years after BLT [36,37]. This could be explained by the mid-stromal position of the Bowman layer graft, which introduced interface irregularities or differences in refractive indices [36]. Additionally, the reliability of corneal densitometry and keratometry measurements has been questioned for patients with advanced keratoconus [48]. Therefore, further research on objective, repeatable, and reproducible measurements of vision quality is needed. Furthermore, a keratoconus classification system based on visual performance and corneal topometric and tomographic parameters would be useful [49].

According to our systematic review, intra- and postoperative complications are, respectively, reported in 3% and 9% of patients. Intraoperative perforation of the host Descemet membrane is a rare complication, which can either resolve spontaneously or require a re-transplantation. The postoperative risks of keratoconus progression and acute hydrops are notable, particularly in patients with a history of allergies or periocular atopy with postoperative eye rubbing.

Finally, an estimated success rate of between 75% and 85% at 5 to 8 years postoperatively was achieved by experienced surgeons [37,43]. This makes BLT a pertinent and safe minimally invasive treatment for patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus, and allows for the possibility of PK or DALK to be performed subsequently if needed.

Some methodological issues deserve discussion. Methods of the analysis and inclusion criteria were specified and documented in a protocol but this protocol was not prospectively registered. In addition, our results could be affected by publication bias, but this could not be assessed due to the small number of included studies.

Some issues at the study level also need to be addressed. Most of the studies included were retrospective case series. Most of them reported statistical power but the number of patients in several studies was small. However, the heterogeneity for the outcome variables was low.

The limited number of studies and study centers raises concerns about the performance of this treatment. These concerns could be dissipated by multicenter prospective studies.

Given the requirement for donor tissue and the relatively complicated surgical procedure, the cost effectiveness of BLT still needs to be evaluated [32,43].

5. Conclusions

BLT may be an effective and safe additional treatment option in patients with advanced, progressive keratoconus in order to postpone PK or DALK. However, large multicenter prospective interventional studies and longer follow-up data are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.