Purpose: To analyze the influence of dextran solution and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on corneal biomechanical parameters evaluated by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST). Materials and
Methods: Forty porcine eyes were included in this study. Twenty porcine eyes were soaked in dextran solution for 30 minutes (10 eyes in 2% dextran solution and 10 eyes in 20% dextran solution). CXL treatment was performed in 10 porcine eyes, the other 10 porcine eyes were regarded as a control group. Each eye was fixed on an experimental inflation platform to carry out Corvis measurements at different IOPs. Corneal biomechanical parameters were calculated based on Corvis measurement. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the influence of dextran solution and CXL on corneal biomechanical parameters based on Corvis parameters.
Results: Corneal energy absorbed area (Aabsorbed) decreased after being soaked in dextran solution under IOP of 15 mmHg; Corneal elastic modulus (E) decreased after being soaked in 2% dextran solution and increased after being soaked in 20% dextran solution; SP-A1 increased after CXL.
Conclusion: Both dextran solution and CXL can change corneal biomechanical properties; SP-A1 may be used as an effective parameter for the evaluation of CXL.