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The effect of riboflavin mediated corneal crosslinking on corneal hydration
Author(s) -
KONTADAKIS G,
GINIS HS,
KARYOTAKIS N,
PENNOS A,
PENTARI IG,
KYMIONIS G,
PALLIKARIS IG
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.3231.x
Subject(s) - cornea , riboflavin , irradiation , ophthalmology , dextran , corneal collagen cross linking , chemistry , keratoconus , chromatography , medicine , biochemistry , physics , nuclear physics
Purpose To evaluate the primary effect of corneal collagen crosslinking on corneal hydration. Methods Twenty corneal buttons from freshly enucleated porcine eyes where immersed in riboflavin 0.1% in dextran 20% dilution for three hours in order for their hydration to reach an equilibrium. Corneal buttons where divided in two groups; the first group was stored in dark conditions while the other group was irradiated with UV radiation (390nm) for 30 minutes to stimulate collagen cross‐linking according to the clinically applied protocol. After irradiation all corneas were immersed in dextran 20% solution for 30 additional minutes and subsequently weighted. Finally all corneal buttons were dehydrated for 48 hours in a desiccating oven set at 62Co and weighted again to obtain their dry mass. Hydration (%) of each button was calculated. Results were analyzed with non parametric tests. Results Irradiated group of corneas had statistically significant lower hydration than the non irradiated group. (p<0.05, Mann‐Whitney Test). Mean hydration in the irradiated group was 71% and in the non‐irradiated 75%. Conclusion Collagen crosslinking causes corneal dehydration that can be detected immediately after the procedure. This phenomenon may contribute to increased mechanical stiffness of the cornea.