Abstract
Purpose :
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a SMILE-derived corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug in the treatment of dry eye syndrome in a rabbit dry eye model.
Methods :
A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were selected in this study and divided into 4 groups randomly (A,B,C and D),with each group consisting of 8 rabbits.The dry eye model was induced by eye drop of 0.1% benzalkonium chloride and established in group A, group B and group C. Group D served as the normal control without any treatment. Group A (corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug treatment group): corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug injected after modeling. Group B (corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug prevention group): corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug injected with the same time for modeling. Group C (no treatment group after modeling) serve as modeling group . Group D serve as normal control. The clinical manifestations of dry eye were measured before and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks after injection respectively, which included the tear volume (SIT), tear break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL). Eye samples were collected on 6 weeks and examined by histologic lightmicroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) .
Results :
After injecting the corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug for treatment, SIT and BUT in group A was significantly increased and FL scores was obviously reduced(P<0.05). Group B with corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug for prevention in advance, the SIT and BUT was significantly increased and FL scores was obviously reduced after modeling compared with group A and group C(P<0.05). At 6 weeks after the operation, BUT, FL score and SIT were no statistical differences in group A and group B(P>0.05),the microvilli of corneal epithelium in group A and group B was regular and fingerlike arrangement. In contrast, a cluster of disordered, shorter and fewer microvilli was observed in group C .
Conclusions :
Implantation of SMILE-derived corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug has a certain effect on the treatment of dry eye syndrome in rabbits.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.