Keratophakia using preserved lenticules.

Using cats as an experimental model, we compared the clarity of fresh, glycerine-preserved and nitrogen-preserved lenticules (corneal stromal implants) in keratophakia. No difference in final clarity was observed and the change in corneal curvature was maintained. In six patients freshly cut lenticules were used; in nine patients liquid nitrogen-preserved lenticules were used. Again, no difference in final clarity or correction was noted. The use of preserved, precut tissue in keratophakia will make this technique available to the general ophthalmic surgeon.