**3. Indications for optical DALK surgery**

DALK is indicated for conditions associated with opacification of the corneal stromal tissues over the central area of the cornea while the DM and endothelium are normal and not involved. The opacification may be due to trauma, infections, iatrogenic causes, chemical insults, dystrophies, or degenerations.

DALK is also used for ectatic corneal disorders with normal DM and endothelium, such as keratoconus, keratoglobus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or ectasia occurring after LASIK surgery.
