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Purpose:

The aim of this study was to develop a modified ex vivo corneal cross-linking method that increases stromal resistance to enzymatic degradation for use as a carrier for the Boston keratoprosthesis.

Methods:

Ex vivo cross-linking of human corneas was performed using Barron artificial anterior chambers. The corneas were deepithelialized, pretreated with riboflavin solution (0.1% riboflavin/20% dextran), and irradiated with ultraviolet A (UV-A) light (λ= 370 nm, irradiance= 3 mW/cm 2) for various durations. The combined effect of UV-A and gamma (γ) irradiation was also assessed using the commercially available γ-irradiated corneal donors. The corneas were then trephined and incubated at 37 C with 0.3% collagenase A solution. The time to dissolution of each cornea was compared across treatments.

Results:

Deepithelialized corneas (no UV light, no riboflavin) dissolved in 5.8±0.6 hours. Cross-linked …