Epikeratophakia: existing limitations and future modifications.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Technology

Background:

• Refractive corneal surgery, including epikeratophakia, has faced challenges in achieving predictable optical correction.
• Existing methods using cryolathing preserved corneal tissue are hampered by tissue oedema and irregular shapes post-freezing.
• Limitations in donor tissue availability and pre-operative power measurement hinder widespread adoption of current refractive surgery techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel mechanical technique for dehydrating preserved corneal tissue.
• To enhance the predictability and reliability of corneal tissue used in refractive surgery.
• To explore solutions for the inherent limitations associated with donor corneal tissue in refractive procedures.

Main Methods:

• A mechanical dehydration technique was specifically developed for preserved corneal tissue.
• The technique aims to mitigate oedema and irregular shaping issues encountered during cryolathing.
• Evaluated the behavioral predictability of the dehydrated corneal tissue in a surgical context.

Main Results:

• The developed mechanical dehydration technique yields corneal tissue that behaves in a more predictable manner.
• This method addresses the irregular shaping and oedema problems associated with cryolathing preserved corneal tissue.
• The improved predictability is crucial for enhancing the accuracy of optical correction in refractive surgery.

Conclusions:

• A mechanical dehydration technique offers a significant improvement in the predictability of preserved corneal tissue for refractive surgery.
• This advancement helps overcome key challenges related to tissue oedema and inconsistent shaping during preparation.
• The findings suggest that alloplastic lenses may offer a more practical alternative, overcoming limitations of donor tissue supply and pre-operative power assessment.