The Anterior Segment in Rabbit Eyes After Lens Refilling With Injectable Silicone Polymer

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the anterior segment of rabbit eyes after lens refilling with injectable silicone. Methods: Five eyes of 5 New Zealand rabbits were treated by the lens refilling procedure. After preparing a minicapsulorhexis followed by endocapsular phacoemulsification, the silicon mixture was injected. To prevent leakage of the liquid silicone the capsule was sealed before polymerisation. Ultrasound biometry, photodocumentation and 3D ultrasoundbiomicroscopy were performed 1 day, 6 and 16 weeks postoperatively. The cornea was analysed by in-vivo laser scanning microscopy (HRTII + Rostock Corneal Module). Results: All eyes could be filled with the newly developed surgical procedure. Biometric relations pre- and postoperatively corresponded to each other. No complications occurred during the wound healing process, but in 2 eyes a leakage occurred through the seal. In these eyes silicone particles (<90 microns) were found in the anterior chamber causing endothelium alterations. In the other 3 eyes, no leakage problems were observed in vivo. Secondary cataract formation of the anterior and posterior capsule is visible in all eyes. Conclusions: The lens refilling procedure is feasible in rabbit eyes without alterations in the cornea and anterior segment configuration. We consider our results as an approved possibilty of a microchirurgical procedure in order to restore accommodation. To study accommodation dynamics the model will have to be applied to primates.

Keywords: accommodation • small incision cataract surgery • animal model