[Lamellar keratoplasty with the Barraquer microkeratome. Preliminary clinical study apropos of 7 cases]

The authors report the results of a preliminary clinical study about lamellar keratoplasty performed with the Barraquer microkeratome. Seven eyes were operated on by this technique, with good functional and anatomical results. Nevertheless, some problems remain. An accurate diameter of the resected button, concerning both the donor and recipient corneas cannot be exactly predicted. There may also exist some irregularities at the edges of the resection. For these reasons, a good incorporation of the donor cornea into the recipient bed may be difficult. These are the main problems with this technique, which facilitates an improved visual prognosis of lamellar keratoplasty.