Long‐term biomechanical properties of rabbit sclera after collagen crosslinking using riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA)

摘要: . Purpose:  Scleral crosslinking by the photosensitizer riboflavin and ultraviolet A (UVA) has been shown to increase significantly scleral biomechanical rigidity might therefore become a possible sclera-based treatment modality for progressive myopia. In present study, long-term effect of new method on properties was investigated in rabbit sclera. Methods:  10 × 10 mm sector equatorial sclera nine Chinchilla eyes treated vivo using UVA double diode 370 nm with surface irradiance 3 mW/cm2 application 0.1% riboflavin-5-phosphate drops as 30 min. Three days, 4 months 8 months postoperatively, stress–strain measurements strips were performed compared contralateral control microcomputer-controlled biomaterial tester. addition, routine histological controls performed. Results:  Following treatment, Young’s modulus increased 320% after 3 days, 277% 502% 8 months, ultimate stress 341% 131% 213.8% versus controls. The decrease strain between 24% 44.8%. On histology, no tissue damage detected. Conclusion:  Our collagen proved very effective constant over time interval up increasing strength. Therefore, an option strengthening myopia other conditions associated weakened sclera. There side-effects retina or retinal pigment epithelium. could now be tested suitable model (like tree shrew) finally human eyes.