Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the safety of genipin crosslinking in the cornea
Methods: :
Genipin crosslinking was induced in 20 rabbit eyes ( New Zealand albino rabbits ) , anterior segment was evaluated in order to determinate any damage in the eye. Intraocular pressure was measured prior the procedure and at the 30 and 60 days post treatment. Haze was graded from 0 (no haze)to 5 (several haze that precludes visualization in the anterior chamber). Pachymetry was evaluated also. All procedures were done according to the ARVO statement for use of animals in research
Results: :
Minimal edema was observed at the 4 post treatment day with a slight blue coloration that resolved at day 10 to 15 , no one of the eyes showed any cataract formation during the study and none of the eyes showed haze from day 15 . Pretreatment IOP was 10±0.5 mmHg in genipin group vs 9.8±0.4 mmHg (control) and in the second and third control there was not significant change in IOP ( 9.5±0.6 mmHg genipin vs 9.8±0.5 mmHg control) Corneal pachymetry was 417 vs 412 with no difference between both groups
Conclusions: :
Genipin a natural non UV crosslinker derived from gardenia jazminoides that increases the biomecanical strength in corneas is safe to the cornea and lens and might be considered for clinical uses
Keywords: keratoconus • refractive surgery: other technologies • cornea: clinical science