Scanning electron microscopy of corneal incisions using steel, diamond, and sapphire blades

In order to compare the wound morphology they produce, we used steel (Myocure), diamond (CILCO DK 121), and sapphire (Katena K2-6500) blades, to make parallel linear incisions, 500 microns deep, in 12 fresh enucleated porcine eyes. There was no discernible difference among the blades in terms of either the morphology of the collagen lamellae of the sides or the depth of the incisions produced. The major differences in the cuts produced were attributable primarily to the differences in the footplates.