Flexible Optical Waveguides for Uniform Periscleral Cross-Linking.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Scleral cross-linking (SXL) with a photosensitizer and light is a potential strategy to mechanically reinforce the sclera and prevent progressive axial elongation responsible for severe myopia. Current approaches for light delivery to the sclera are cumbersome, do not provide uniform illumination, and only treat a limited area of sclera. To overcome these challenges, we developed flexible optical waveguides optimized for efficient, homogeneous light delivery.

Methods

Waveguides were fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane elastomer. Blue light (445 nm) is coupled into the waveguide with an input fiber. Light delivery efficiency from the waveguide to scleral tissue was measured and fit to a theoretical model. SXL was performed on fresh porcine eyes stained with 0.5% ribo

SUBMITTER: Kwok SJJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5433838 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature