Strength characteristics of the rabbit cornea after intra-stromal implantation of various implants using a femtosecond laser

Purpose. Comparative experimental study of the effect of the implantation of various intrastromal implants using a femtosecond laser (FSL)on the strength properties of the rabbit cornea.Material and methods. The experimental work was performed on 24 corneas of isolated eyes of 12 rabbits enucleated 1 month after the slaughter. All eyes were divided into 4 groups, depending on the method of operation. Formation of intra-stromal pockets (IP) and tunnels (IT) was performed using the FSL Femto Visum. The eyes of rabbits with intact corneas were included into the first control group. In the group 2, the intrastromal segment 350° was implanted into the IT. In the group 3,the MyoRing was implanted into the IP. In the group 4, the intrastromal closing ring with a «lock» was implanted into the IT.Results. After the implantation of intrastromal implants in comparison with the control group it was noted that the strength of the examined cornea of rabbits was increased to break. The greatest increase in the strength properties of the rabbit cornea was observed after the implantation of the intrastromal closing ring with a «lock» in comparison with the implantation of the intrastromal segment of 350° and the MyoRing.Conclusions. Implantation of intrastromal rings and segments leads to an increase in the strength properties of the cornea.Implantation of an intrastromal closing ring with a «lock» leads to the greatest increase in the strength properties of the cornea compared with the implantation of the intrastromal segment of 350° and the MyoRing.