Electromechanical reshaping (EMR) has the potential to change corneal shape to correct refractive errors without altering the mechanical properties of the cornea. Using acoustic radiation force (ARF) to stimulate the cornea of ex vivo New Zealand white rabbit globes and optical coherence elastography (OCE) to detect corneal response, the cornea’s elasticity was quantitatively determined pre- and post-EMR treatment. In addition, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was used to determine changes in corneal curvature. Ultimately, EMR treatment induced a shape change in the cornea and the elasticity of the cornea was similar before and after EMR treatment, indicating minimal damage.
Chemical injuries to the cornea account for 11 to 22% of all ocular injuries. Acidic injuries are commonly due to sulfuric, hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and battery acids, while basic injuries are commonly due to sodium hydroxide, chlorine bleach, and ammonia products. We have previously studied potential-driven electrochemical clearing (P-ECC) for alkaline injuries. In this study, we investigated the use of P-ECC on both acidic and alkaline injuries to determine its effect on restoring corneal transparency. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed before and after P-ECC to determine adequate corneal clearing. Severity of chemical injury was measured through second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. HCl or NaOH was applied to the corneas of New Zealand white rabbit globes. P-ECC was performed on opacified cornea while OCT imaging was simultaneously performed to evaluate depth resolved clarity. SHG imaging evaluated the structure of collagen before HCl or NaOH application and after P-ECC. Irrigation with water served as positive control. Native rabbit corneas were used as a negative control group. P-ECC induced clearing in the rabbit cornea, shown through OCT. Clearing occurred in regions where the working electrode made contact with the cornea. SHG imaging showed restoration of collagen fibril signal in P-ECC treated corneas compared to control. P-ECC is a potentially effective therapy for clearing acidic and alkaline corneal injuries. However, more ex-vivo experiments are required to determine the specific parameter for optimal clearing. In-vivo experiments are necessary to determine its potential for clinical use.
Refractive errors commonly cause vision impairments; current treatments are temporary and/or involve side-effects. We performed electromechanical reshaping (EMR), a potential laser eye surgery alternative, to determine its effect on reshaping corneal curvature in ex vivo rabbit corneas. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed to ensure corneal curvature change. Second harmonic generation (SHG) was used to determine if collagen damage occurred. After EMR, shape change was visualized with OCT while SHG indicated weaker collagen signals in certain regions. EMR is a potential treatment for refractive errors. However, more experiments are required to determine efficacy and potential for clinical application.
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