Therapeutic lamellar keratoplasty with an automated microkeratome.

Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is the predominant form of corneal transplantation because both manual and automated lamellar keratoplasty are technically difficult and lead to complications such as irregularities and scarring. A microkeratome for laser in situ keratomileusis can be used to overcome these disadvantages. We describe a technique of lamellar keratoplasty performed with an automated microkeratome to treat corneal opacities in the anterior third of the cornea. This easy, accurate technique leads to good visual results and represents a good alternative to PKP in treating anterior corneal opacities.