Posters

Corneal addition technology: limitations of endokeratophakia

Poster Details

First Author: M. Mrochen SWITZERLAND

Co Author(s):    D. Muller                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To review the technical and clinical limitations of endokeratophakia.

Setting:

Allotex inc, Boston, USA

Methods:

A recent development of refractive procedures is the use of corneal lenticules as intra-stromal implants (inlays). Initial attempts in 2002 and 2005 using excimer lasers to shape the corneal donor tissue have recently been modified by the use of spherical lenticules that are harvested from SMILE lenticules or FLEX procedures. A literature review related to endokeratophakia and epikeratophakia has been conducted.

Results:

The historical limitations of “Epikeratophakia” can be summarized as follows: Inaccurate power or induced astigmatism. Single lenticule produced from each donor cornea. Typical non-sterile cornea were used (cryopreservation). The clinical benefits of inlays (endokeratophakia) are: Case studies show initial safe & effective outcomes for treatment of hyperopia. Faster visual recovery compared to onlays (similar to lasik). Wound healing response has been reported to be minimal. Better refractive and visual results compared to the epikeratophakia results. Easy flap or pocket creation with commercial available fs-laser systems. Ability to do retreatment beneath a flap. Limitations are single piece extraction are associated with regulatory barriers. Scope limited by the available donor lenticules (mainly hyperopia). Extraction can lead to a damage of the lenticules

Conclusions:

Today, technology is available to overcome the limitations of endokeratophakia or epikeratophakia.

Financial Disclosure:

One or more of the authors gains financially from product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors is employed by a forNONEprofit company with an interest in the subject of the presentation, One or more of the authors has significant investment interest in a company producing, developing or supplying product or procedure presented