Results of microinvasive cross‐linking of rabbit posterior eye pole sclera

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the results of scleral crosslinking (SXL) with ultraviolet‐A (UVA) radiation and riboflavin in the equator and the posterior pole of the eye using a minimally invasive techniqueMethodsThe tool includes a UV‐LED source (370 nm, 3 mW/cm²) guided through optic fiber located in one of the two channels of a detachable tip. The other channel is used to deliver riboflavin to the scleral surface through a small conjunctival incision, sutured after SXL. It was performed in vivo on 8 rabbit eyes. Intact fellow eyes served as control. Scleral echodensity was measured in vivo with Voluson 730Pro prior to, 2 days and 1 month after the procedure. The biomechanical characteristics of the sclera of enucleated eyes were measured 3 days and 1 month after the procedure with Autograph (Shimadzu). Collagen crosslinking level was measured at the same times using Differential Scanning Calorimetry with Phoenix DSC20144 (Netzsch).ResultsAs a result of the procedure, scleral echodensity (median) increased from 86.7 to 98 dB after 2 days, and to 103 dB after 1 month. The control group revealed no change in the corresponding values. Elasticity modulus (E) of the treated zone was 25.4 MPa after 3 days, while in the control group E was 16.7 MPa. 1 month after, the value of E showed no significant change. Collagen cross‐linking level in the experimental group exceeded that of the control group by 15–18%.ConclusionsThe proposed tool ensures minimally invasive UVA crosslinking of the equatorial and the posterior parts of the sclera and ensures an increase of its biomechanical stability. It opens good prospects for sclera reinforcement treatment of progressive myopia.This work was supported by the Russian Foundation of Basic Research (grant No 15‐29‐03874).