J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2022 Oct;63(10):823-833. 10.3341/jkos.2022.63.10.823.

Short-term Evaluation of Efficacy and Biocompatibility of Artificial Corneal Transplantation in Rabbit Model

• Han J
• Sunwoo JH
• Oh S
• Moon SY
• Nam S
• Lee H
• Kim JY
• Tchah H

• KMID: 2534435
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2022.63.10.823

Abstract

Purpose
To examine the efficacy and biocompatibility of a new artificial cornea using a rabbit model.
Methods
Artificial cornea were transplanted into 20 New Zealand white rabbits. The disc-shaped artificial cornea is of diameter 8.0 mm (the core, clear optical zone diameter is 5.0 mm and that of the peripheral skirt 1.5 mm); of thickness 0.5 mm; and is fabricated from PHEMA, PMMA, and PETTA. Transplantation proceeded in two stages; all rabbits were then observed weekly to 12 weeks. Anterior segment photographs were taken, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography and histological analysis performed, to confirm the biocompatibility of the skirt and the extents of cell proliferation in surrounding tissues.
Results
Two rabbits were sacrificed for histological examination in weeks 4 and 8 (one each). Four eyes failed because of surgical errors (artificial corneal decentration or excessively thin flaps). Of the 12 eyes for which surgery was technically successful, six (50.0%) maintained the optical zone structure and transparency to 12 weeks. Histology revealed that cells proliferated in the skirt and bound to surrounding tissues. Six eyes (50.0%) evidenced protrusions of the artificial cornea.
Conclusions
Transplantation of a new artificial cornea into rabbits met with some success (as confirmed anatomically and optically). However, corneal improvement and new surgical techniques are required to increase the success rate. Also, long-term follow-up is needed.

Keyword

Artificial cornea; Corneal transplantation; New Zealand white rabbit; Keratoplasty