[Development of new fixing mechanisms and forms for the preparation of refractive corneal sections]

A method was developed for lathing corneal tissue without freezing. As a cutting instrument we used the rotating lamellar keratome, which was integrated in a mechanically adjustable microsurgical work bench. A set of refractive lathing forms was designed for a lenticule diameter of up to 9.5 mm. For fixation of the tissue, different kinds of suction holes were investigated. A mechanical fixation ring was not required, as the shearing force from the rotating blade does not loosen the lenticule even at a low suction setting. Different surface properties were compared. We found a rough surface to be the most suitable for retaining tissue. With our optimized molding form, the lenticule can be safely retained at a suction of 2.5 m H2O.