The word-stem "kerato-"
refers to the cornea of the eye. It is useful to recognise
this word-part as used to refer to procedures concerning the cornea of
the eye.
An epikeratophakia is a surgical procedure to correct
errors in the refraction of light within the eye. This procedure involves
alteration of the curvature of the patient's cornea using corneal tissue
from a donor that has first been frozen and re-shaped until ideal for
attachment to the patient's own cornea.
Use of this technique is generally limited due, in part, to limited supply
of human donor lenticule. Use of commercial corneal lenticule may be a
possible alternative in some cases. Patients can obtain further information
about this procedure from their ophthalmologist
(ophthalmic surgeon).
This section includes short definitions of clinical and surgical procedures
concerning the eyes and human visual system. For definitions of other
terms in this category, choose from the list to the left. Other related
pages include the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and the section about disorders
of the eye and visual system. |
