Lamellar keratoplasty using gamma-irradiated corneal lenticules

To report the clinical outcomes of lamellar keratoplasty using sterile, gamma-irradiated corneal tissues (VisionGraft) for partial-thickness corneal defects.

Interventional case series.

The medical records of 10 patients with partial-thickness corneal defects who were operated at The Wilmer Eye Institute between April 2009 and December 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for surgery included corneal melt with microperforation (n = 6), keratoprosthesis-associated corneal melt (n = 2), and noninflammatory limbal lesions (n = 2). The grafts were fashioned from full- or partial-thickness tissues using disposable trephines, based on the depth, shape, and size of the defect in the recipient bed, and were secured with multiple interrupted 10/0 nylon sutures. Rate of epithelialization and clarity of the grafts at the last visit were assessed retrospectively.

All but 1 graft became epithelialized between postoperative 1st and 13th days. Corneal inflammation progressed in the 1 patient with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis-associated corneal melt, probably attributable to the progression of underlying Sjögren syndrome, despite initiation of systemic immunomodulatory treatment, and required replacement of the device. The donor tissues remained clear in all the other cases over a period of 7 to 15 months. No immune rejection, infection, significant opacification, or neovascularization of the donor tissues were noted during a follow-up period.

VisionGraft may be considered in lieu of fresh donor corneas for lamellar corneal patch grafts because of its availability, easy handling, and lack of immunogenicity.