Lamellar keratoplasty with lyophilized tissue for treatment of corneal scarring.
BACKGROUND
A pilot study was carried out in Pakistan to assess the feasibility of the use of lathed freeze-dried corneal tissue in the treatment of corneal scarring.


METHODS
Six eyes underwent lamellar keratoplasty and were followed up for 18 months.


RESULTS
Visual improvement was obtained in every eye. In one eye, the procedure was complicated by delayed epithelialization of the graft, but in the remaining five patients, the grafts epithelialized rapidly.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of freeze-dried donor tissue simplifies storage and distribution of corneas and may offer the best hope of treatment in developing countries for patients with corneal scarring.
Eye Unit II, Lahore General Hospital, Kot Lakhpat, Pakistan.
M
M
Tayyib
J H
JH
Sandford-Smith
C E
CE
Sheard
C K
CK
Rostron
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005612:Freeze Drying; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D014792:Visual Acuity