Purpose: To develop a mechanical device to perform limbal transplantation. This procedure is a valuable surgical technique for management of limbal stem cell deficiency. However, the freehand dissection to obtain donor tissue is laborious and time-consuming.
Methods: A manual microkeratome (LSK One; Moria/Microtech, Doylestown, Pennsylvania) using a redesigned head (200 microm thickness, 16-mm blade) was used to create partial thickness corneoscleral caps from human donor globes.
Results: Corneoscleral caps obtained from human donor globes included a ring of approximately 1 mm of perilimbal sclera in contiguity to the cornea. Scanning electron microscopy showed a smooth cut surface with some chatter at the margins.
Conclusion: This instrument ensures an effective and straightforward method to dissect the area where stem cells have been indirectly localized.