Planar Lamellar Refractive Keratoplasty

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Abstract
Satisfactory clinical results have been obtained with lamellar refractive keratoplasty (keratophakia, keratomileusis, and epikeratophakia). However, the techniques are accompanied by several disadvantages, most notably technical difficulty, inaccuracy, delayed visual rehabilitation, and excessive tissue destruction due to freezing or lyophilization. The author herein describes a new technique that is capable of producing lamellar refractive lenticules without the use of freezing or lyophilization, thereby maintaining cellular viability. The technique has a different theoretical and mechanical basis than cryorefractive surgery as presently performed. Laboratory investigation demonstrates that high refractive errors, both myopic and hyperopic, may be correctable by this method, while preserving the normal corneal architecture.