Perforating and Lamellar Keratoplasty

Alpar (1984) observed a reduced endothelial cell loss (10.1%-12.2%) in various penetrating keratoplasty procedures performed with Healon vs. a 19.4%-20.2% cell loss in the controls. The protective viscoelastic effects on the endothelium and cornea when used in keratoplasty, have been corroborated in a multitude of other studies, as well (Miller 8c Stegmann, 1981 Polack et al, 1981 Polack, 1982). 

In a randomized study, comparable lOP rises following perforating keratoplasty procedures with OVD retention using Healon and Viscoat were noted. Pressure regulation in the Healon group occurred later (Burke, Sugar 8c Farber, 1990). 

A new surgical technique for deep stromae anterior lamellar keratoplasty was recently described using viscoelastic agents to separate the anterior corneal lamellar (Meller et al., 1999). 

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