Attachment for a Tudor Thomas corneal graft stand.

DONOR material for corneal grafting is not readily available. In exploring all sources, it was thought that one could use material which would otherwise be wasted if it were possible to cut satisfactory lamellar grafts from excised corneae. The attachment to be described is the result of experiments conducted with this purpose in view. The idea originated from a desire to use corneae from eyes eviscerated after injuries. This type of material is sometimes available in industrial areas where eyes can be hopelessly damaged by pieces of metal travelling at a high velocity. Such fragments are considered sterile and hence the question of infection is not an important one. The initial trials were made by Mr. H. Campbell Orr with the co-operation of Messrs. C. W. Dixey and Son, Ltd. The first method used was to pin the excised cornea to a suitably shaped mould, consisting of an acrylic ball conforming to the curvature of the eye, with holes drilled in it to accommodate the pins used to fasten the cornea. This method was discarded as the donor cornea was not held firmly enough by the pins. More elaborate devices were being considered when matters were precipitated by a patient who needed a lamellar corneal graft as an emergency measure, the only donor material available being a portion of a cornea from an eye to be eviscerated after a recent injury. The device described below gave a satisfactory answer to an urgent problem. It has the virtues of simplicity and ease of manufacture and proved so convenient that we have continued to use it with only a few minor modifications.