**2.3.3 Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)**

The dissection plane is 400 µm from the surface to the DM. However, from the terminology viewpoint, the term maximum-depth anterior lamellar keratoplasty (MD–ALK) is used when the bare DM is exposed in the recipient's cornea and the term total anterior lamellar keratoplasty (TALK) is used when the bare DM is exposed in the recipient's entire corneal bed and no remaining corneal stromal tissue is present within the trephination wound area. Generally, the wound repair process is accompanied by more scar formation and opacification in the superficial corneal stromal layers compared to the deep corneal stromal layers. So the deeper the dissection plane in the recipient's corneal stromal tissues, the lower is the risk of irregularities and scarring in the interface.

#### **2.4 Smooth posterior surface of donor tissue**

The smoothest posterior surface of the donor tissue is provided when no dissection cuts through the stromal tissues, FTDG is used, and the DM and endothelial cells are wiped out gently.
