The efficacy and safety of a novel posterior scleral reinforcement device in rabbits

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) device for myopia suppression in rabbits' eyes. MethodsPSR surgery was performed on the normal 12 8-week-old New Zealand white rabbits' right eyes. To determine efficacy of the device, ophthalmic examination would be taken at pre-operation and post-operation (1week, 1month, 3months, 6months, and 1year), such as A-ultrasound, diopter and B-ultrasound. Evaluation of safety were based on the following indicators: intraocular pressure (IOP), slit lamp, fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography and pathological examination after surgery. The efficacy and safety of PSR device were evaluated by comparison (treated eyes and contralateral eyes) of pre and post-operation. ResultsThe novel PSR device could significantly shorten axial length (preoperative axial length: 16.36±0.14mm, postoperative 1week, 1month, 3months, 6months and 1year axial lengths: 15.03±0.28mm, 15.23±0.32mm, 15.39±0.31mm, 15.45±0.22mm and 15.45±0.22mm; P=0.00037<0.001) in the treated eyes (right eyes) after surgery. At different postoperative time points, the B-ultrasound images showed that the PSR located in appropriate position and supported the posterior sclera very well. At the same time, IOP of treated eyes kept a relatively stable level (preoperative IOP: 12.56±2.01mmHg, postoperative IOP: ranging from 11.33±1.23mmHg to 13.44±2.19mmHg, P>0.05) post-operation 1year. During observation period, there was no significant inflammatory reaction and complications such as anterior chamber flare, empyema, endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, retina detachment and retinal choroid neovascularization by slit lamp, fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography. In addition, there were no pathologic changes be found by comparison treated eyes group and contralateral group eyes based on pathological examinations. ConclusionsIn vivo study, effectively and safely, the novel PSR device can inhibit rabbits' axial length elongation during postoperative 1year. This study demonstrates that this novel PSR could be a potential treatment approach for myopia.