PURPOSE: To study the morphology of corneal tunnel incisions using diamond and steel keratomes. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Giessen, Germany. METHODS: Corneal tunnel incisions were performed in six human cadaver eyes using three types of diamond keratomes and a steel keratome. The incision profile and morphology were evaluated and compared using light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The steel keratome caused more disruption of corneal stromal tissue, while the diamond keratomes produced a more regular, smoother incision. The dissecting incision resulted in a smoother surface of cut stromal tissue than the stab incision. CONCLUSIONS: The high quality of corneal tunnel incisions produced with diamond keratomes is the result of their exceptional sharpness, which may have a beneficial effect on wound healing.
PURPOSE: To study the morphology of corneal tunnel incisions using diamond and steel keratomes. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Giessen, Germany. METHODS:Corneal tunnel incisions were performed in six human cadaver eyes using three types of diamond keratomes and a steel keratome. The incision profile and morphology were evaluated and compared using light and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The steel keratome caused more disruption of corneal stromal tissue, while the diamond keratomes produced a more regular, smoother incision. The dissecting incision resulted in a smoother surface of cut stromal tissue than the stab incision. CONCLUSIONS: The high quality of corneal tunnel incisions produced with diamond keratomes is the result of their exceptional sharpness, which may have a beneficial effect on wound healing.