Experimental Scleral Grafting with Dacron Patch

ABSTRACT

We conducted experimental studies to evaluate the possibility of Dacron patch for artificial sclera and to gain basic data for practical approach. Forty eyes of twenty rabbits were randomly assigned to experimental or control eye in both eyes. The lamellar-thickness scleral resection was performed and followed by implantation of Dacron and homologous scleral patch respectively. We examined them after one, two, four and 12 weeks. Grossly adhesion of Dacron patch was stable after four weeks. Histologically Dacron graft evoked an outer capsule and a well-vascularized granulomatous foreign body reaction. There were fibrous and vascular ingrowth securety anchored graft to bed and adhesion was uniform and firm throughout the tissue. Attachment of homolgous graft to bed was poor after 1 week but stable after two weeks. Dacron patch appears to be a good alternative to homologous sclera for scleral reinforcement.