Corneal autografting: A systematic approach

OBJECTIVE: To describe a systematic approach to corneal autografting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of case records of 3 patients wh o underwent this procedure. RESULTS: All patients achieved satisfactory visual recovery. Oversized graf ts of 0.5 mm had less postoperative complications in the recipient eye. A p hakic blind eye that received a 0.5 mm undersized graft had a temporary ocu lar hypertensive phase. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal autografting is a safe and effective technique in sele cted patients. The preferred surgical technique consists of surgery first: on the blind eye, excision of a 0.5 mm oversized donor graft, cataract extr action if the eye is phakic, and use of an appropriate temporary keratopros thesis to maintain donor eye integrity until autografting is completed in t he eye with visual potential.