SUMMARY
Improvement in microsurgical techniques and tissue storage has resulted in a higher rate of clear grafts after penetrating keratoplasty. The postoperative astigmatism however still remains a major problem. If a high corneal astigmatism cannot be managed successfully with glasses or contact lenses, a surgical approach may be indicated. We developed a V-shaped knife which makes a crescentic wedge resection easier to perform. Before the introduction of the V-shaped knife we obtained an average reduction in corneal astigmatism of 6.6 diopters. With the V-shaped knife the reduction was 8.0 diopters.
We think that the V-shaped knife makes a wedge resection easier and safer.
A simple keratoscope is described which can be used at the slit lamp or in the operating room with the microscope. It is a qualitative keratometer which provides direct information concerning the shape of the whole cornea. Any lightsource from the outside produces corneal placido reflections originating in the inner wall of the device.
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