This Article  • Full text  • PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Citing articles on ISI (17)  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Topic Collections  • Articles for Residents  • Alert me on articles by topic

Dimitri T. Azar, MD; Sandeep Jain, MD; Robert Sambursky, MA

Arch Ophthalmol. 2000;118:1112-1115.

We describe a new surgical technique of microkeratome-assisted deep lamellar keratoplasty for treating patients with corneal stromal disease and normal endothelium. A microkeratome is used to create a hinged anterior stromal flap in the host cornea, and the diseased stroma is resected or ablated. A complementary donor stromal button, prepared using a microkeratome and an artificial anterior chamber, is transplanted prior to repositioning of the flap. The flap may be lifted at a later date, and an excimer laser used to correct residual refractive errors. Notwithstanding the preliminary and theoretical nature of this report, this technique may improve the outcomes of deep lamellar keratoplasty and may allow for decreased postoperative complications.

From the Corneal and Refractive Surgery Services, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston (Drs Azar and Jain), and Boston University School of Medicine (Mr Sambursky).