Authors: Garth A. Wilbanks, M.D., Sandra Cohen, O.C.(C.), Mary Chipman, Ph.D., and David S. Rootman, M.D.

Journal: Cornea 15(6):589-598, 1996. 

Methods: Two corneal suction trephination systems currently in use are Barron-Hessburg and the Hanna trephine. This study assessed the outcome of patients who received penetrating keratoplasty using these two systems. One hundred twenty four eyes were evaluated retrospectively. Best corrected spectacle acuity and corneal astigmatism were assessed 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results:  No significant difference was noted between the groups of 6 months after surgery. At 12 months, a significant improvement in spectacle acuity was present in 55% of the Hanna group having visual acuity of 20/40 or better compared with 33% of the Barron Hessburg group (p < 0.005). This difference was greater if eyes having the best visual prognosis were separately evaluated: 74% of the Hanna group had 20/40 vision or better compared with 41% of the Barron-Hessburg group (p < 0.005). In eyes having a good visual prognosis, a significant improvement in visual acuity was present, with 33% of the Hanna group improving nine or more lines compared with 9% of the Barron-Hessburg group (p <0.05). Postoperative keratomertic and refractive astigmatism were not different at 6 or 12 months.

Conclusion: We found that visual recovery at 1 year is better using the Hanna system, especially in eyes with good visual prognosis.