Aerosol application of cyanoacrylate adhesive.

BACKGROUND: Cyanoacrylate adhesive has been used to treat corneal perforations and stromal melting disorders. We examined the efficacy of aerosolization as a means of applying cyanoacrylate to the cornea. METHODS: Central corneal perforations were created with a 1-millimeter trephine in cadaver eyes. A small amount of N-butyl cyanoacrylate was delivered to the perforation site via aerosol. Experiments were also conducted with cadaver eyes which had received lamellar keratectomies to stimulate corneal thinning disorders. RESULTS: Adequate seal of the 1-millimeter perforation was achieved following aerosol application of cyanoacrylate adhesive. In experiments conducted with eyes which had been perforated and those which received lamellar keratectomies, smooth anterior surface contours were achieved using the aerosol technique. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosolization may be an effective method of applying cyanoacrylate adhesive.