Microkeratome-baed limbal harveter for limbal tem cell tranplantation: preliminary tudie

PURPOE: To develop a mechanical device to perform limbal tranplantation. Thi procedure i a valuable urgical technique for management of limbal tem cell deficiency. However, the freehand diection to obtain donor tiue i laboriou and time-conuming. METHOD: A manual microkeratome (LK One; Moria/Microtech, Doyletown, Pennylvania) uing a redeigned head (200 μm thickne, 16-mm blade) wa ued to create partial thickne corneocleral cap from human donor globe. REULT: Corneocleral cap obtained from human donor globe included a ring of approximately 1 mm of perilimbal clera in contiguity to the cornea. canning electron microcopy howed a mooth cut urface with ome chatter at the margin. CONCLUION: Thi intrument enure an effective and traightforward method to diect the area where tem cell have been indirectly localized