Fascia of the temporalis muscle in scleral buckling and keratoprosthesis operations.

We have successfully used the strong, fibrous fascia of the temporalis muscle to create a buckle in retinal detachment opera­ tions and to reinforce the cornea prior to in­ sertion of a keratoprosthesis, thereby, in­ creasing its ability to retain the implant. Temporalis fascia is also useful in those cases in which it is necessary to reinforce or to replace the sciera, for example, in scleromalacia perforans, in sclerectasic myopia, and in scierai injuries and burns. We have gained experience in the use of fascia in or­ bital decompressions for malignant exophthalmos, done in cooperation with the Neurosurgical Department of St. Savvas Hospi­ tal. There are several advantages in the use of temporalis fascia in ocular surgery: (1) it provides an autogenous graft of strong collagenous, fibrous tissue; (2) its source is close to the eye ; ( 3 ) it can be easily and rap­ idly removed in any size or shape desired; and (4) it is easily handled during surgery.