Posters

Ultrastructure of isolated Bowman layer grafts, prepared by two different methods

Poster Details

First Author: J. Parker THE NETHERLANDS

Co Author(s): F. Huls   E. Cooper   P. Graves   E. Groeneveld-van Beek   J. Lie   G. Melles     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare ultrastructural features of Bowman layer (BL) grafts prepared by manual stripping vs. femtosecond laser, and to assess any potential clinical implications.

Setting:

Eye bank study

Methods:

Five whole globes were placed in custom-made eye holders, their epithelium was debrided, and the femtosecond laser was docked into position. After setting the depth of laser application to 20μm, 5 isolated BL grafts were created. Five additional globes were sectioned into corneoscleral buttons, debrided of epithelium, and mounted in artificial anterior chambers, after which BL grafts were prepared via the previously described manual technique of peeling the tissue from the underlying anterior stroma using fine forceps. Three specimens of both series were randomly selected and sent for light and transmission electron microscopy (LM and TEM, respectively).

Results:

In 10 attempts, 10 grafts were produced: 5 by the femtosecond laser and 5 by manual stripping. Mean graft thickness was 33(±8) μm for the laser group and 12 (±2) μm for the manual group. LM and TEM revealed for each tissue that BL was harvested intact, though accompanied by irregular rests of dispersed stroma in the manual group and a thicker but more uniform layer of stroma in the laser group.

Conclusions:

BL may be harvested undamaged by both femtosecond laser and manual stripping; the former technique may yield thicker but more uniform grafts.

Financial Disclosure:

receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented