Experimental epikeratophakia with biological adhesive

C. K. Rostron, G. P. Brittain, D. B. Morton and J. E. Rees
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leicester, School of Medicine, England.

Successful experimental epikeratophakia grafting was done with the use of a biological adhesive. The use of an adhesive eliminated the need for any suturing of the corneal lenticule to the host cornea, and this method reduced the length of the operative procedure to only one third of the time that is taken when sutures are used. Tisseel (Immuno AG, Vienna), a commercially available two-component adhesive system based on human fibrinogen, which is activated by thrombin, was used. The glue was used in combination with an antifibrinolytic agent. With alteration of the operative technique and lenticule design, 70% of glued epikeratophakia grafts in a rabbit model were retained, compared with a 50% success rate with grafts applied without the use of an adhesive.