Experimental substantiation of the effectiveness and safety of optimized UV corneal cross-linking technique using a new device

Poster Details

First Author: SvetlanaIzmailova RUSSIA

Co Author(s):    Boris Malyugin   Denis Merzlov           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess the effectiveness of epi-off UV corneal crosslinking (with epithelium scarification) using the new model of disraptor in experiment.

Setting:

: The academician S.N. Fyodorov Federal State Institution Intersectoral Research & Technology Complex “Eye Microsurgery”.

Methods:

To perform the optimized corneal UV-crosslinking technique, we designed a new disraptor device that allows to perform a topography-guided, dosed corneal epithelium scarification by means of calibrated vacuum ring. The work surface of the device is made congruently to the corneal surface and a spring-loaded mechanism pushes the spikes out at the required depth. The effectiveness of this method was proved by confirmation of Riboflavin penetration into the cornea. And for the first time it was estimated by the method of infra-red Fourier-spectroscopy with the registration of specific reflectance spectra. The technique safety was assessed in vivo in rabbits of chinchilla breed by estimation of re-epithelization speed using OCT and confocal microscopy.

Results:

By the means of infra-red Fourier-spectroscopy with the registration of reflectance spectra, during optimized corneal UV-crosslinking technology modeling, the complete soaking of corneas with riboflavin was observed. In vivo experiments showed rapid epithelization, absence of specific complications, OCT and confocal microscopy showed that the new model of disraptor does no damage to the anterior stromal layers of the cornea.

Conclusions:

The experimental research proved the effectiveness and safety of the new technique. The optimized corneal UV-crosslinking using the new device allows to perform a topography-guided, dosed corneal epithelium scarification. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE