ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the biocompatibility of the corneal substitutes using PLGA scaffold, type I collagen film, type I collagen film combined with amniotic membrane (AM) and lyophilized homologous cornea in severely damaged ocular surface disease. METHODS: Rabbits were distributed into four experimental groups: (1) Type 1 collagen film: group A, (2) Type I collagen film combined with AM: group B, (3) lyophilized homologous cornea: group C, and (4) PLGA scaffold: group D. Corneal substitute-like discs in 7 mm diameter were inserted into the intralamellar stromal pockets of severely damaged corneas, and then corneal windows in 3 mm diameter were made on the upper lamellar cornea in groups A, B, and C. In 2 months of follow up, clinical evaluation including corneal neovascularization, opacity and transparency of the graft materials was performed, and the inflammatory reaction and fibroplasia were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: Corneal windows were completely reepithelized by postoperative day 3 to 9, and more rapid reepithelization was shown in groups B and C, Corneal neovascularization, opacity, and inflammation decreased more in groups B and C. No inflammation and transparent graft material was shown in group C. Histological studies showed many corneal stromal fibroblasts in and around graft materials in groups B and C. CONCLUSIONS: The type I collagen film combined with AM and the lyophilized homologous cornea were more stable in the severely damaged cornea. These results could be useful for the development of corneal substitutes.
