A study of stromal riboflavin absorption in ex vivo porcine corneas using new and existing delivery protocols for corneal cross‐linking (original) (raw)

2015, Acta Ophthalmologica

PurposeTo indirectly measure stromal riboflavin penetration using commercially available riboflavin solutions and new and existing epithelium‐off, trans‐epithelial and iontophoresis‐assisted delivery protocols.MethodsForty porcine eyes were divided into eight groups. Group 1: Ricrolin applied to the de‐epithelialised cornea for 30 min; Group 2: epithelium‐intact, no treatment; Groups 3–5: epithelium‐intact, 30‐min application of Ricrolin TE, Mediocross TE or ParaCel/Vibex, respectively. Group 6: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min; Group 7: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min with a 20‐min riboflavin soak; and Group 8: epithelium‐intact, Ricrolin+ iontophoresis‐assisted delivery for 5 min, 15‐min soak and another 5 min of iontophoresis. After a saline wash, light transmission spectra were obtained from each cornea, before and after epithelial removal.ResultsCorneas in groups 1 and 8 showed a distinct riboflavin ab...