A novel technique for harvesting keratolimbal allografts from corneoscleral buttons.

Purpose: To describe a method for obtaining partial-thickness keratolimbal allografts from corneoscleral buttons to be used in corneal limbal stem cell transplantation.

Design: Description of device design and technique for use.

Methods: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, placed on the posterior side of a trephinated corneoscleral rim, is used to secure the allograft to a disposable acrylic sphere that is attached to a cylindrical base.

Results: After fixation of the corneoscleral rim to the acrylic sphere, keratolimbal allograft harvesting is performed as a continuous strip dissection with a 65 Beaver blade. This technique minimizes trauma to the epithelial stem cells, provides excellent stability of the corneoscleral rim during harvesting, and preserves the central corneal button.

Conclusions: This method for obtaining keratolimbal allografts effectively provides tissue stabilization during harvesting, minimizing epithelial stem cell trauma and eliminating the need for whole donor globes.