Circling keratorraphy: a new approach to surgical correction of aphakia (preliminary communication).

A new approach to surgical correction of hyperopia (including aphakia) is advanced. A ring-shaped inlay of biologically-inert polymer is imbedded into the cornea in order to make its curvature steeper. The corneal tissue is displaced centripetally by constant traction around its optical zone. No corneal grafting or incision in the optical zone is required. The simplest way to carry out the procedure is to place a buried intracorneal suture in a circle 6 to 8 mm in diameter. The suture must be tied strongly enough to ensure sufficient bulging of the cornea inside the circle. Then it will remain buried inside the cornea permanently. The term "circling keratorraphy" was coined for the technique. The results of the first six procedures performed on patients are presented and are considered to be promising. Some improvements in the exactness and delicacy of the technique are required; this work is currently in progress.