Gebauer SLc Original and Moria One-Use Plus automated microkeratomes for ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty preparation

Purpose We compared the SLc Original (SLc) and One-Use Plus (OUP) microkeratomes for ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) lamella preparation and storage, vis-a-vis accuracy, endothelial cell loss (ECL) and lamellar surface roughness (LSR). Methods Twenty-five human corneas were dissected with single-use heads of different sizes aiming for a posterior lamella (PL) thickness of 85 μm, after which they were incubated for 6 days in a 5% dextran medium. Before preparation (0 hr) and 1, 24, and 144 hr after dissection, ECL and corneal thickness (CCT) were measured by ultrasound pachymetry (USP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Lamellar surface roughness (LSR) was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and evaluated by two masked observers. Results Prior to cutting, CCTs did not differ between OCT and USP measurements, with a high correlation between the two modalities (r2 = 0.8; p