[Keratoepitheliomilesis--a new method of surgical correction of myopia]

The technique of refraction keratoplasty for correction of myopia has been developed. On the deep epithelial surface of the cornea a ring-like layer transplant made of frozen donor cornea has been transplanted. The mechanism of the refraction effect of the operation which developed in 2.5 months after the operation is based on the specific properties of the corneal epithelium. Re-epithelialization of the transplant and the central zone of the cornea after the operation leads to the formation of a new optically active surface acting as a negative lens from the epithelial tissue. Clinical assessment of a new technique has been made in 8 patients with high myopia (from 7.5 to 22.0 diopters).