Scleral reinforcement in rabbits using synthetic graft materials

Because of disappointing results using homologous collagen for scleral reinforcement in the treatment of pathologic myopia in humans, we undertook a series of experiments in rabbits to test the mechanical properties and long-term biocompatibility of three different synthetic graft materials. Grafts made from two of these materials, Gore-Tex Soft Tissue Patch (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) and Miragel (poly[methyl acrylate-co-hydroxy-ethyl acrylate]), were easy to position about the globe. Both materials, however, were resistant to invasion by fibrovascular tissue. The third material, woven Dacron (polyethylene terephthalate), though more difficult to position, permitted extensive invasion of fibrovascular tissue, which made all parts of the graft firmly adherent to the globe. Our results indicate the long-term compatibility of all three of these materials when used as periscleral grafts in rabbits. However, our results also suggest that a woven material such as commercially available Dacron is a more suitable graft material for scleral reinforcement in humans than collagen, Miragel, or Gore-Tex.