A portable microkeratome-based anterior corneal surface harvesting device

Purpose. To determine the reproducibility of anterior sclerokeratectomy using a portable nonelectric microkeratome-based device capable of harvesting the entire anterior corneal surface for lamellar transplantation. Methods. A modified gas turbine-driven microkeratome (LSK One, Moria/Microtech, Doylestown, PA) with a redesigned head large enough to incorporate the whole human anterior corneal surface in a pass and was coupled to a manual vacuum pump. This instrument was tested on 25 fresh porcine globes divided into 2 groups (170-μm and 200-μm head). To assess cut reproducibility the physical dimensions (diameter and thickness) of the obtained lenticules were measured. Results. The obtained lenticules were fairly circular (horizontal versus vertical diameters, p >0.2), with average diameters of 12.85 ± 0.52 mm and 13.25 ± 1.15 mm for the 170 and 200-μm heads, respectively. The average central lenticule thickness was 176.92 ± 34.68 μm and 166.00 ± 53.74 μm for the 170 and 200-μm heads, respectively. Conclusion. This new system presents an economical and portable alternative to electric-powered systems. In addition to being used by surgeons in the operating room, eye bank technicians in the field could theoretically use this system; including in developing countries where cost, availability of electricity, and portability are issues.