Femtosecond laser lenticule transplantation in rabbit cornea: experimental study

To evaluate the feasibility of femtosecond laser-induced lenticule transplantation in the rabbit cornea and to observe the relative histologic characteristics of corneal tissue and nerve repair after transplantation.

Eight healthy, purebred, New Zealand white rabbits underwent femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in the right eye. Lenticules were inserted into a femtosecond laser-created corneal stromal pocket in the left eye, which was defined as femtosecond laser corneal lenticule transplantation. Postoperative observation and examination were completed to evaluate the surgery.

In the early postoperative period, inflammation of the cornea was noted, tissue around the lenticule was edematous, and cells were activated. Tissue edema remained at postoperative day 10. By 1 month, edema had resolved, activated cells gradually became quiescent, and nerve fiber regeneration was observed. By 3 months, the lenticule integrated into the recipient cornea, extracellular matrix gradually cleared, and thicker nerve fibers were noted. By 6 months postoperative, morphology and distribution of the corneal stromal fibers were close to normal, and the number of nerve fibers was reduced.

Femtosecond laser corneal lenticule transplantation in rabbits is feasible, as the lenticule was shown to thrive and integrate with the recipient stroma. Nerve regeneration begins after 1 month.