Mechanical Corneal Sculpting As New Technique For Refractive Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate a new technique for mechanical removal of spherical discs from corneal tissue in a laboratory setting and to compare the induced morphological changes and surface regularity with conventional excimer laser photoablation.

Methods: : Porcine eyes were either treated with a new device (nano-dissector) for mechanical edging of the corneal surface or by excimer laser (Wavelight Allegretto EyeQ) photorefractive keratectomy. The maximum thickness of removed spherical discs of corneal tissue was assessed by optical coherence tomography. The surface regularity was evaluated by light and electron microscopy and the coastline index was calculated as a measure for surface regularity.

Results: : A reproducible removal of spherical discs was possible in all treated corneas by either nano-dissector treatment or excimer laser photoablation. Light- and electron microscopy and the assessed coastline index (excimer laser 1.16 +/- 0.04 nano-dissector; 1.07 +/- 0.0009) showed that induced surface irregularities were more pronounced in excimer laser photoablation as compared to mechanical nano-dissection.

Conclusions: : Our initial studies show that a reproducible removal of spherical discs of corneal tissue with a high surface regularity is possible by nano-dissection. This new technique might be a possible alternative for refractive corrections on corneal tissue.

Keywords: refractive surgery: other technologies • refractive surgery • cornea: clinical science