Keratoplasty. a Method Using Track Sutures and the Operating Microscope.

THE purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an improved method of suturing corneal grafts. Technically, the first few sutures are especially difficult and frequently the graft suffers undesirable damage. This becomes quite obvious when one sees in the literature the multitude of devices available for fixing the donor graft. With the corneal transplant technique described below, trauma to the tissues is minimized. Although not complicated, the method to be described requires skill with the operating microscope (Fig. 1), which once mastered becomes an indispensable tool for the operator. In addition, pre-placed tracks, somewhat similar to the track suture described by Verhoeff (1927) in cataract surgery, are used.