AEROSOL APPLICATION OF CYANOACRYLATE ADHESIVE

BACKGROUND: Cyanoacrylate adhesive has been used to treat corneal perf orations and stromal melting disorders. We examined the efficacy of ae rosolization as a means of applying cyanoacrylate to the cornea. METHO DS: Central corneal perforations were created with a 1-millimeter trep hine in cadaver eyes. A small amount of N-butyl cyanoacrylate was deli vered to the perforation site via aerosol. Experiments were also condu cted with cadaver eyes which had received lamellar keratectomies to si mulate corneal thinning disorders. RESULTS: Adequate seal of the 1-mil limeter perforation was achieved following aerosol application of cyan oacrylate adhesive. In experiments conducted with eyes which had been perforated and those which received lamellar keratectomies, smooth ant erior surface contours were achieved using the aerosol technique. CONC LUSIONS: Aerosolization may be an effective method of applying cyanoac rylate adhesive.