Epikeratophakia: clinical evaluation and histopathology of a non-human primate model.

We performed four aphakic and two myopic epikeratophakia procedures in a non-human primate model using two fresh and three prefrozen corneas and one glycerin-preserved cornea. The experiments were terminated 4 to 5 months postoperatively, and the eyes examined with correlative microscopy. The glycerin-preserved cornea sloughed and was not available for analysis. All but one prefrozen specimen demonstrated donor keratocyte repopulation. Active keratocytes were noted lining the optical interface. Focal areas of missing Bowman's layer were present in three recipient corneas. Epithelial interface ingrowth occurred in two specimens. The recipient corneas were otherwise normal.