AST Surgical Technologist Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Study Resource

During keratoplasty, the primary goal is to transplant the corneal tissue and restore normal vision to the patient. The Cottingham punch is specifically designed for this purpose, as it is used to cut out the donor cornea and prepare the recipient site. Its precision and design facilitate the removal of circular sections of corneal tissue, making it essential for performing corneal transplants effectively.

The use of the Cottingham punch directly addresses the needs of keratoplasty, focusing on the accuracy required in corneal surgery. The scalpel may assist in making incisions, but it lacks the designed circular cutting mechanism that the Cottingham punch provides. While an astigmatic marker may help in assessing the curvature of the cornea and correcting astigmatism, it is not utilized in the actual cutting of corneal tissue. Forceps are useful for various general tasks but do not play a specialized role in the excision or preparation of corneal grafts. Thus, the Cottingham punch stands out as the most appropriate tool for the specific requirements of keratoplasty.