Use of a platelet-fibrinogen-thrombin mixture as a corneal adhesive: experiments with sutureless lamellar keratoplasty in the rabbit.

A platelet-fibrinogen-thrombin mixture utilizing autologous platelets was studied for its potential as a corneal adhesive. In the rabbit it demonstrated sufficient adhesive properties to allow 50 per cent of lamellar keratoplasties (autotransplants) to remain in place without the use of sutures. The mixture retains significant adhesive properties for four to six days. It is simple to prepare and apply. It also appears nonantigenic and nontoxic to the cornea; it does not incite inflammation, nor interfere with corneal clarity or the regrowth of corneal epithelium.