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Interlamellar refractive keratoplasty in rabbits
Summary
Hydrophilic soft contact lenses and donor corneal buttons were tested for interlamellar refractive keratoplasty in rabbits. Donor corneal buttons and Permalens lenses showed better long-term clarity and refractive outcomes than Soflens lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Interlamellar refractive keratoplasty (IRK) is a surgical technique to correct refractive errors.
- Soft contact lenses and donor corneal buttons are potential materials for IRK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of hydrophilic soft contact lenses and donor corneal buttons for IRK in a rabbit model.
- To compare the long-term outcomes of different lens materials and donor corneal buttons in IRK.
Main Methods:
- A lamellar pocket was created in rabbit corneas.
- Trephined buttons of Bausch & Lomb Soflens (polymacon), Cooper Permalens (perfilcon A), or rabbit cornea (6.5 mm diameter) were inserted.
- Eyes were monitored for clarity, melting, and refractive changes.
Main Results:
- Soflens inserts showed "melting" (perforation) by 3 weeks.
- Permalens inserts (6/7) and donor corneal inserts (4/4) remained clear at 3-6 months.
- Myopia and corneal steepening occurred with most inserts, except high-minus Soflens.
Conclusions:
- Interlamellar refractive keratoplasty using donor corneal buttons or Permalens soft contact lenses shows potential for correcting aphakia in rabbits.
- High water content soft contact lenses (Soflens) demonstrated poor long-term biocompatibility in this study.
- Further research may explore the potential of these IRK methods in human patients.