Abstract
Purpose:
To compare morphological aspects (stromal surface, OCT profile and posterior curvature) of corneal grafts for DSAEK, obtained by two different techniques: manual lamellar dissection and automatic microkeratome cut.
Methods:
Three donor corneas were prepared by manual lamellar dissection using a 6/0 nylon thread. The technique was described previously (ARVO 2012 poster A177). The other group consisted in three pre-cut corneas obtained from our eye bank. An automatic microkeratome (Moria) was employed. All six grafts were used for DSAEK. Macroscopic examination of the stromal surface was made on the anterior button. OCT scan (Visante) and posterior curvature (Atlas topography) were obtained in all patients at the third month post-operative period.
Results:
We observed shape differences in the grafts among the two groups. Smother surface was observed in the group harvested by manual dissection. This group show also a regular thickness throughout the button, whereas grafts obtained by automatic microkeratome technique were not regular, being thicker at the edges. This finding correlates with the increased curvature in this group of corneas when implanted.
Conclusions:
Posterior corneal grafts obtained by lamellar dissection for DSAEK have a smother stromal surface and a homogeneous thickness when compared with buttons prepared with microkeratome.
Keywords: 481 cornea: endothelium •
741 transplantation