Corneal tolerance to micronized mineral pigments for keratopigmentation

Session Details

Session Title: Special Cases

Session Date/Time: Sunday 14/09/2014 | 14:30-16:00

Paper Time: 14:36

Venue: Boulevard B

First Author: : M.Amesty UK

Co Author(s): :    J. Alió   J. Alió del Barrio   A. Rodríguez        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the cosmetic benefit obtained by keratopigmentation using micronized mineral pigments in an experimental animal model.

Setting:

Vissum Alicante, Spain.

Methods:

Corneal intralamellar keratopigmentation technique was performed using micronized mineral pigments. Animals were examined regurlarly under a slit lamp to detect any sign of inflammation, pigment diffusion, color changes and neovascularization. The experiment was done in two stages. First in 20 eyes and then in 8 eyes. These groups were followed up at 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. Then histopathological and microbiological examination were performed to determine the level of pigment diffusion, the level of inflammation and the presence of neovascularization.

Results:

During the first experiment, signs of early infectious keratitis was unfourtunately observed in 4 eyes and they were sacrificed. The evolution of the remaining 12 eyes was satisfactory. In the second experiment there were no postoperative complications and no signs of infection in any of the 8 eyes treated, the evolution was satisfactory in all cases. Additional prophylactic actions using intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and gamma radiation of the pigment mixtures were performed to avoid infection.

Conclusions:

The pigmented corneas showed a good cosmetic appearance without dispersion of the pigments. No signs of toxicity were found in corneas colored, which suggests that micronized mineral pigments could be a valid alternative treatment for cosmetic keratopigmentation. The rabbit animal model is a suitable model to investigate the toxicity of other corneal pigments and mixtures in the future.

Financial Interest:

NONE