A new surgical technique of microkeratome-assisted deep lamellar keratoplasty with a hinged flap

We describe a new surgical technique of microkeratome-assisted deep lamella r keratoplasty for treating patients with corneal stromal disease and norma l endothelium. A microkeratome is used to create a hinged anterior stromal flap in the host cornea, and the diseased stroma is resected or ablated. A complementary donor stromal button, prepared using a microkeratome and an a rtificial anterior chamber, is transplanted prior to repositioning of the n ap. The flap may be lifted at a later date, and an excimer laser used to co rrect residual refractive errors. Notwithstanding the preliminary and theor etical nature of this report, this technique may improve the outcomes of de ep lamellar keratoplasty and may allow for decreased postoperative complica tions.