Photochemical Cross-Linking for Penetrating Corneal Wound Closure in Enucleated Porcine Eyes

ABSTRACTPurpose: To compare the efficacy of photochemical-induced tissue cross-linking (PCL), utilizing Rose Bengal (RB) and 532 nm green light irradiation (RB-PCL), with standard sutures for closure of penetrating corneal incision in porcine cadaver eyes.Methods: A full-thickness penetrating incision, 3 mm in length parallel to the limbus and perpendicular to the corneal surface, was made in the enucleated porcine cornea. Photochemical cross-linking was performed with tropical RB application and irradiation of 532 nm green light (0.6 W/cm2) for 200, 250, and 300 seconds at laser fluences of 120, 150, and 180 J/cm2, respectively, which was compared with the standard 10-0 nylon suture group. Following treatment, intraocular pressure to the point where wound leakage occurred (IOPL) was measured. Corneal central thickness and surface temperature before and after PCL treatment were recorded. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to evaluate wound closure.Resul...