Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the effects of genipin crosslinking in corneal curvature in rabbit eyes.
Methods: :
Genipin crosslinking was induced in 12 rabbit eyes (Adult New Zealand albino rabbits, 3 to 3.5 kg). Baseline keratometry was performed in both eyes using an automatic keratometer. One cornea was crosslinked with genipin 0.25% for 20 minutes , the other eye was used as a control sample. Keratometric measurements were done before the crosslinking and 30 and 60 days after the treatment. All procedures were done according to the ARVO statement for use of animals in research.
Results: :
Average baseline keratometric values were 49.7±0.6 diopters (control) vs. 49.2±0.8 (genipin), at day 30 values were 47.9±0.3 (control) vs. 47.1±0.8(genipin) and at day 60 values were 46.28±0.5 (control) vs. 44.8±0.4 (genipin) (p 0.001) . Reduction of the steepest values were calculated and correlated between both eyes (control vs. treated). Reduction of 2.5±2 (control) vs. 5.1 ±0.5 (genipin) diopters were found with a p =0.005. None of the rabbits showed any complication.
Conclusions: :
Genipin crosslinking induces a significant corneal flattening of 2 diopters in average and about 2.5 diopters in the steepest meridian at 60 days post-treatment, in vivo, suggesting that this exogenous non UV crosslinking could be useful in the treatment of corneal ectasia.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • keratoconus