Scleral collagen crosslinking (SXL) by riboflavin and blue light inhibits eye growth of young rabbits

Purpose The application of riboflavin and blue light (for Collagen Crosslinking of scleral tissue; SXL) was proved as a possible therapeutic method to increase scleral stiffness and therefore, to inhibit eye growth in young rabbits. Methods For eye growth examination the sclera of young rabbit eyes were treated with riboflavin and 10 mW/cm² blue light. MR-Imaging and ultrasonic A scans were used to measure effects of SXL treatment on eye growth. Safety and efficacy parameters were determined using immunohistochemical and histological methods. Results Immunohistochemical and histological examinations showed no neurodegenerative side effects or signs of glial reactivity in retinal tissue beyond a light intensity of 400 mW/cm². Young animals treated with a minimal effective light energy dose of 10 mW/cm² displayed a significant reduction of their eye growth. The eye growth inhibition after SXL treatment maintained for at least 24 weeks. Conclusion The results confirm the idea that scleral collagen crosslinking by riboflavin/blue light is an applicable method to inhibit eye growth and therefore, it might be a treatment for pathologic myopia.