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Lombardo M, Serrao S, Bernava GM, Mencucci R, Fruschelli M, Lombardo G. Real-time monitoring of riboflavin concentration using different clinically available ophthalmic formulations for epi-off and epi-on corneal cross-linking. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024:10.1007/s00417-024-06451-8. [PMID: 38502352 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-024-06451-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the feasibility of theranostics to determine the riboflavin concentration in the cornea using clinically available ophthalmic formulations during epithelium-off (epi-off) and transepithelial (epi-on) corneal cross-linking procedures. METHODS Thirty-two eye bank human donor corneas were equally randomized in eight groups; groups 1 to 3 and groups 4 to 8 underwent epi-off and epi-on delivery of riboflavin respectively. Riboflavin ophthalmic solutions were applied onto the cornea according to the manufacturers' instructions. The amount of riboflavin into the cornea was estimated, at preset time intervals during imbibition time, using theranostic UV-A device (C4V CHROMO4VIS, Regensight srl, Italy) and expressed as riboflavin score (d.u.). Measurements of corneal riboflavin concentration (expressed as µg/cm3) were also performed by spectroscopy absorbance technique (AvaLight-DH-S-BAL, Avantes) for external validation of theranostic measurements. RESULTS At the end of imbibition time in epi-off delivery protocols, the average riboflavin score ranged from 0.77 ± 0.38 (the average corneal riboflavin concentration was 213 ± 190 µg/cm3) to 1.79 ± 0.07 (554 ± 103 µg/cm3). In epi-on delivery protocols, the average riboflavin score ranged from 0.17 ± 0.01 to 0.67 ± 0.19 (corneal riboflavin concentration ranged from 6 ± 5 µg/cm3 to 122 ± 39 µg/cm3) at the end of imbibition time. A statistically significant linear correlation (P ≤ 0.05) was found between the theranostic and spectrophotometry measurements in all groups. CONCLUSIONS Real-time theranostic imaging provided an accurate strategy for assessing permeation of riboflavin into the human cornea during the imbibition phase of corneal cross-linking, regardless of delivery protocol. A large variability in corneal riboflavin concentration exists between clinically available ophthalmic formulations both in epi-off and epi-on delivery protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lombardo
- Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy.
- Vision Engineering Italy Srl, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Serrao
- Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy
- Vision Engineering Italy Srl, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Bernava
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | - Rita Mencucci
- SOD Oculistica, AOU Careggi, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Fruschelli
- Sezione Oftalmologia, Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte, Università di Siena, Dip. Scienze mediche-chirurgiche e neuroscienze, Viale Bracci, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardo
- Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy.
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy.
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Lombardo M, Bernava GM, Serrao S, Roszkowska AM, Lombardo G. Predicting corneal cross-linking treatment efficacy with real-time assessment of corneal riboflavin concentration. J Cataract Refract Surg 2023; 49:635-641. [PMID: 36745847 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000001163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess predictability of tissue biomechanical stiffening induced by UV-A light-mediated real-time assessment of riboflavin concentration during corneal crosslinking (CXL) of human donor tissues. SETTING Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Rome, Italy. DESIGN Laboratory study. METHODS 20 sclerocorneal tissues were randomly stratified to undergo CXL with either the epithelium intact (n = 12) or removed (n = 8). Samples underwent corneal soaking with 0.22% riboflavin formulation (RitSight) with dosing time of t = 10 minutes and t = 20 minutes in epithelium-off and epithelium-on protocols, respectively. All tissues underwent 9-minute UV-A irradiance at 10 mW/cm 2 using theranostic device (C4V CHROMO4VIS). The device used controlled UV-A light irradiation to induce both imaging and treatment of the cornea, providing a real-time measure of corneal riboflavin concentration and treatment efficacy (ie, theranostic score) during surgery. Tissue biomechanics were assessed with an air-puff device (Corvis), which was performed before and after treatment. A 3-element viscoelastic model was developed to fit the corneal deformation response to air-puff excitation and to calculate the mean corneal stiffness parameter (k c ). RESULTS Significant corneal tissue stiffening ( P < .05) was induced by the theranostic UV-A device in either CXL treatment protocol. Significant correlation was found between the theranostic score and the increase in k c ( R = 0.75; P = .003). The score showed high accuracy (94%) and precision (94%) to predict correctly samples that had improved tissue biomechanical strengthening. CONCLUSIONS Real-time assessment of corneal riboflavin concentration provided a predictive and precise approach for significant improvement of tissue strength on individual corneas, regardless of CXL treatment protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lombardo
- From the Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Rome, Italy (M. Lombardo, Serrao, G. Lombardo); Vision Engineering Italy srl, Rome, Italy (M. Lombardo); CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, Italy (Bernava, G. Lombardo); Clinica Oculistica, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Messina, Messina, Italy (Roszkowska); Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Poland (Roszkowska)
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Urbánek P, Šuly P, Ševčík J, Hanulíková B, Kuřitka I, Šopík T, Stodůlka P. Controlled Drug Delivery Device for Cornea Treatment and Novel Method for Its Testing. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040505. [PMID: 37111260 PMCID: PMC10143253 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A new solution for local anesthetic and antibiotic delivery after eye surgery is presented. A contact lens-shaped collagen drug carrier was created and loaded by Levofloxacin and Tetracaine with a riboflavin crosslinked surface layer, thus impeding diffusion. The crosslinking was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, whereas the drug release was investigated using UV-Vis spectrometry. Due to the surface barrier, the drug gradually releases into the corneal tissue. To test the function of the carrier, a 3D printed device and a new test method for a controlled drug release, which mimics the geometry and physiological lacrimation rate of the human eye, were developed. The experimental setup with simple geometry revealed that the prepared drug delivery device can provide the prolonged release profile of the pseudo-first-order for up to 72 h. The efficiency of the drug delivery was further demonstrated using a dead porcine cornea as a drug recipient, without the need to use live animals for testing. Our drug delivery system significantly surpasses the efficiency of antibiotic and anesthetic eyedrops that would have to be applied approximately 30 times per hour to achieve the same dose as that delivered continuously by our device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Urbánek
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
| | - Pavol Šuly
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Ševčík
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hanulíková
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Kuřitka
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Šopík
- Centre of Polymer Systems, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, trida Tomase Bati 5678, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stodůlka
- Gemini Eye Clinic, U Gemini 360, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
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Roszkowska AM, Lombardo G, Mencucci R, Scorcia V, Giannaccare G, Vestri A, Alunni Fegatelli D, Bernava GM, Serrao S, Lombardo M. A randomized clinical trial assessing theranostic-guided corneal cross-linking for treating keratoconus: the ARGO protocol. Int Ophthalmol 2022:10.1007/s10792-022-02628-4. [PMID: 36587174 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02628-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The Assessment of theranostic guided riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking for treatment of keratoconus (ARGO; registration number NCT05457647) clinical trial tests the hypothesis that theranostic-guided riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking (CXL) can provide predictable clinical efficacy for halting keratoconus progression, regardless of treatment protocol, i.e., either with or without epithelial removal. Theranostics is an emerging therapeutic paradigm of personalized and precision medicine that enables real-time monitoring of image-guided therapy. In this trial, the theranostic software module of a novel UV-A medical device will be validated in order to confirm its accuracy in estimating corneal cross-linking efficacy in real time. During CXL procedure, the theranostic UV-A medical device will provide the operator with an imaging biomarker, i.e., the theranostic score, which is calculated by non-invasive measurement of corneal riboflavin concentration and its UV-A light mediated photo-degradation. ARGO is a randomized multicenter clinical trial in patients aged between 18 and 40 years with progressive keratoconus aiming to validate the theranostic score by assessing the change of the maximum keratometry point value at 1-year postoperatively. A total of 50 participants will be stratified with allocation ratio 1:1 using a computer-generated stratification plan with blocks in two treatment protocols, such as epithelium-off or epithelium-on CXL. Following treatment, participants will be monitored for 12 months. Assessment of safety and performance of theranostic-guided corneal cross-linking treatment modality will be determined objectively by corneal tomography, corneal endothelial microscopy, visual acuity testing and slit-lamp eye examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Roszkowska
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences of Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego 1, 30-705, Krakow, Poland. .,Dipartimento BIOMORF, Università di Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98100, Messina, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lombardo
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per I Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | - Rita Mencucci
- SOD Oculistica, AOU Careggi, Università di Firenze, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Scorcia
- UO Oculistica, AOU Mater Domini, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannaccare
- UO Oculistica, AOU Mater Domini, Università Magna Graecia di Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Annarita Vestri
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Alunni Fegatelli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "La Sapienza", Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Massimo Bernava
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per I Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Marco Lombardo
- Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy
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Lombardo G, Bernava GM, Serrao S, Lombardo M. Theranostic-guided corneal cross-linking: Preclinical evidence on a new treatment paradigm for keratoconus. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2022; 15:e202200218. [PMID: 36059083 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202200218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Theranostics is an emerging therapeutic paradigm of personalized medicine; the term refers to the simultaneous integration of therapy and diagnostics. In this work, theranostic-guided corneal cross-linking was performed on 10 human sclero-corneal tissues. The samples were soaked with 0.22% riboflavin formulation and underwent 9 minutes UV-A irradiance at 10 mW/cm2 using theranostic device, which provided both a measure of corneal riboflavin concentration and a theranostic score estimating treatment efficacy in real time. A three-element viscoelastic model was developed to fit the deformation response of the cornea to air-puff excitation of dynamic tonometry and to calculate the mean corneal stiffness parameter before and after treatment. Significant correlation was found between the theranostic score and the increase in mean corneal stiffness (R = 0.80; P < .001). Accuracy and precision of the theranostic score in predicting the induced corneal tissue stiffening were both 90%. The riboflavin concentration prior to starting the UV-A photo-therapy phase was the most important variable to allow corneal cross-linking to be effective. Theranostic UV-A light mediated imaging and therapy enables the operator to adopt a precise approach for achieving highly predictable biomechanical strengthening on individual corneas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lombardo
- CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F, Messina, Italy
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Marco Lombardo
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Rome, Italy
- Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Rome, Italy
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Brekelmans J, Dickman MM, Verma S, Arba‐Mosquera S, Goldschmidt R, Goz A, Brandis A, Berendschot TT, Saelens IE, Marcovich AL, Scherz A, Nuijts RM. Excimer laser-assisted corneal epithelial pattern ablation for corneal cross-linking. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 100:422-430. [PMID: 34533277 PMCID: PMC9291225 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To determine corneal cross‐linking (CXL) efficacy and chromophore penetration after excimer laser‐assisted patterned de‐epithelialization. Methods Two‐hundred‐twenty porcine eyes were de‐epithelialized ex vivo, either fully (mechanical; n = 88) or patterned (excimer laser; n = 132). Consecutively, corneas were impregnated with hypo‐ or hyperosmolar riboflavin (RF; n = 20, RF‐D; n = 40, respectively) or water‐soluble taurine (WST11; n = 40, and WST‐D; n = 40, respectively), or kept unimpregnated (n = 80). Sixty corneas were subsequently irradiated, inducing CXL, with paired contralateral eyes serving as controls. Outcome measurements included strip extensiometry to assess CXL efficacy, and spectrophotometry and fluorescence microscopy to determine stromal chromophore penetration. Results All tested chromophores induced significant CXL (p < 0.001), ranging from 7.6% to 14.6%, with similar stiffening for all formulations (p = 0.60) and both de‐epithelialization methods (p = 0.56). Light transmittance was significantly lower (p < 0.001) after full compared with patterned de‐epithelialization. Stromal chromophore penetration was comparable between fully and patterned de‐epithelialized samples, with full penetration in RD and RF‐D samples and penetration depths measuring 591.7 ± 42.8 µm and 592.9 ± 63.5 µm for WST11 (p = 0.963) and 504.2 ± 43.2 µm and 488.8 ± 93.1 µm for WST‐D (p = 0.669), respectively. Conclusions Excimer laser‐assisted patterned de‐epithelialization allows for effective CXL. Stromal chromophore concentration is, however, reduced, which may have safety implications given the need for sufficient UVA attenuation in RF/UVA CXL. The different safety profile of near‐infrared (NIR) may allow safe WST11/NIR CXL even with reduced stromal chromophore concentration values. In vivo studies are needed to evaluate the benefits and further assess safety of excimer laser‐assisted patterned de‐epithelialization for corneal CXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurriaan Brekelmans
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht the Netherlands
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Health the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
| | - Mor M. Dickman
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Shwetabh Verma
- Department of Research and Development SCHWIND Eye‐Tech‐Solutions Kleinostheim Germany
- Experimental Radiation Oncology University Medical Center Mannheim Heidelberg Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
- Central Institute for Computer Engineering (ZITI) Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Samuel Arba‐Mosquera
- Department of Research and Development SCHWIND Eye‐Tech‐Solutions Kleinostheim Germany
| | - Ruth Goldschmidt
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Health the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
| | - Alexandra Goz
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Health the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
- Department of Ophthalmology Kaplan Medical Center Rehovot Israel
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Department of Biological Services the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
| | - Tos T.J.M. Berendschot
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Isabelle E.Y. Saelens
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht the Netherlands
| | - Arie L. Marcovich
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Health the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
- Department of Ophthalmology Kaplan Medical Center Rehovot Israel
| | - Avigdor Scherz
- Department of Plant Science and Environmental Health the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot Israel
| | - Rudy M.M.A. Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht Maastricht University Medical Center Maastricht the Netherlands
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Atalay E, Özalp O, Yıldırım N. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus. Ther Adv Ophthalmol 2021; 13:25158414211012796. [PMID: 34263132 PMCID: PMC8246497 DOI: 10.1177/25158414211012796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus had traditionally been considered a rare disease at a time when the imaging technology was inept in detecting subtle manifestations, resulting in more severe disease at presentation. The increased demand for refractive surgery in recent years also made it essential to more effectively detect keratoconus before attempting any ablative procedure. Consequently, the armamentarium of tools that can be used to diagnose and treat keratoconus has significantly expanded. The advances in imaging technology have allowed clinicians and researchers alike to visualize the cornea layer by layer looking for any early changes that might be indicative of keratoconus. In addition to the conventional geometrical evaluation, efforts are also underway to enable spatially resolved corneal biomechanical evaluation. Artificial intelligence has been exploited in a multitude of ways to enhance diagnostic efficiency and to guide treatment. As for treatment, corneal cross-linking treatment remains the mainstay preventive approach, yet the current main focus of research is on increasing oxygen availability and developing new strategies to improve riboflavin permeability during the procedure. Some new combined protocols are being proposed to simultaneously halt keratoconus progression and correct refractive error. Bowman layer transplantation and additive keratoplasty are newly emerging alternatives to conventional keratoplasty techniques that are used in keratoconus surgery. Advances in tissue engineering and regenerative therapy might bring new perspectives for treatment at the cellular level and hence obviate the need for invasive surgeries. In this review, we describe the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus primarily focusing on newly emerging approaches and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eray Atalay
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Meşelik Kampüsü, Odunpazarı, Eskişehir 26040, Turkey
| | - Onur Özalp
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Nilgün Yıldırım
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Marcovich AL, Brekelmans J, Brandis A, Samish I, Pinkas I, Preise D, Sasson K, Feine I, Goz A, Dickman MM, Nuijts RMMA, Scherz A. Decreased Riboflavin Impregnation Time Does Not Increase the Risk for Endothelial Phototoxicity During Corneal Cross-Linking. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2020; 9:4. [PMID: 32821501 PMCID: PMC7409014 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.9.6.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the riboflavin (RF) concentration and distribution in the corneal stroma and the risk for endothelial photodamage during corneal crosslinking (CXL) following 10- and 30-minute impregnation. Methods De-epithelialized rabbit corneas were subjected to impregnation for 10 and 30 minutes with different RF formulations. Human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) were subjected to different RF concentrations and ultraviolet A (UVA) dosages. Assays included fluorescence imaging, absorption spectroscopy of corneal buttons and anterior chamber humor, and cell viability staining. Results After 10 and 30 minutes of impregnation, respectively, anterior chamber fluid showed an RF concentration of (1.6 ± 0.21)•10−4% and (5.4 ± 0.21)•10−4%, and trans-corneal absorption reported an average corneal RF concentration of 0.0266% and 0.0345%. This results in a decrease in endothelial RF concentration from 0.019% to 0.0056%, whereas endothelial UVA irradiance increases by 1.3-fold when changing from 30 to 10 minutes of impregnation. HCEC viability in cultures exposed to UVA illumination and RF concentrations as concluded for the endothelium after 10- and 30-minute impregnation was nonstatistically different at 51.0% ± 3.9 and 41.3 ± 5.0%, respectively. Conclusions The risk for endothelial damage in CXL by RF/UVA treatment does not increase by shortened impregnation because the 30% increase in light intensity is accompanied by a 3.4-fold decrease of the RF concentration in the posterior stroma. This is substantiated by similar endothelial cell toxicity seen in vitro, which in fact appears to favor 10-minute impregnation. Translational Relevance This study offers compelling arguments for (safely) shortening RF impregnation duration, reducing patients’ burden and costly operation room time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie L Marcovich
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jurriaan Brekelmans
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Brandis
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Biological Services Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilan Samish
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Iddo Pinkas
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dina Preise
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Keren Sasson
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ilan Feine
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexandra Goz
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Ophthalmology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mor M Dickman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Avigdor Scherz
- Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Lombardo G, Serrao S, Lombardo M. Comparison between standard and transepithelial corneal crosslinking using a theranostic UV-A device. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258:829-834. [PMID: 31900647 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess corneal concentration of riboflavin in two different corneal crosslinking protocols performed by a novel image-guided therapeutic (or "theranostic") UV-A device. METHODS Ten human eye bank donor tissues were used in this work. The tissues underwent corneal cross-linking according to the conventional treatment protocol (n = 5; 30 min of stromal soaking followed by 30 min of 3 mW/cm2 UV-A irradiance) and the iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial protocol (n = 5; soaking for 5 min at 1 mA/min and 9 min of 10 mW/cm2 UV-A irradiance) using a theranostic UV-A device (Vision Engineering Italy srl, Italy). The device provided real time assessment of riboflavin concentration by hyperspectral image analysis of the cornea. A 0.1% riboflavin hypotonic solution (Ricrolin+, Sooft Italia Spa, Italy) was used in all cases. RESULTS Manual application of hypotonic riboflavin for 30 min into the stroma achieved greater corneal riboflavin concentration (425 ± 77 μg/cm3) than transepithelial delivery of riboflavin by corneal iontophoresis (195 ± 35 μg/cm3; P = 0.001). In both UV-A irradiation protocols, corneal riboflavin concentration decreased exponentially with a constant energy rate of 2.3 ± 0.5 J/cm2 and 1.8 ± 0.3 J/cm2 respectively. At the end of treatment, the average corneal concentration of riboflavin decreased by ≥ 85%, with values of 54 ± 29 μg/cm3 and 31 ± 9 μg/cm3 (P = 0.11), respectively. CONCLUSION Manual application of riboflavin onto the stroma achieved almost 50% greater concentration of riboflavin than transepithelial delivery by corneal iontophoresis. The theranostic UV-A device provided a novel approach to estimate corneal concentration of riboflavin non-invasively during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lombardo
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy.,CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 37, 98158, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Marco Lombardo
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy. .,Studio Italiano di Oftalmologia, Via Livenza 3, 00198, Rome, Italy.
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Lombardo M, Lombardo G. Noninvasive real-time assessment of riboflavin consumption in standard and accelerated corneal crosslinking. J Cataract Refract Surg 2019; 45:80-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2018.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lombardo G, Villari V, Micali NL, Leone N, Labate C, De Santo MP, Lombardo M. Non-invasive optical method for real-time assessment of intracorneal riboflavin concentration and efficacy of corneal cross-linking. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201800028. [PMID: 29451741 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201800028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus is the primary cause of corneal transplantation in young adults worldwide. Riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking may effectively halt the progression of keratoconus if an adequate amount of riboflavin enriches the corneal stroma and is photo-oxidated by UV-A light for generating additional cross-linking bonds between stromal proteins and strengthening the biomechanics of the weakened cornea. Here we reported an UV-A theranostic prototype device for performing corneal cross-linking with the ability to assess corneal intrastromal concentration of riboflavin and to estimate treatment efficacy in real time. Seventeen human donor corneas were treated according to the conventional riboflavin/UV-A corneal cross-linking protocol. Ten of these tissues were probed with atomic force microscopy in order to correlate the intrastromal riboflavin concentration recorded during treatment with the increase in elastic modulus of the anterior corneal stroma. The intrastromal riboflavin concentration and its consumption during UV-A irradiation of the cornea were highly significantly correlated (R = 0.79; P = .03) with the treatment-induced stromal stiffening effect. The present study showed an ophthalmic device that provided an innovative, non-invasive, real-time monitoring solution for estimating corneal cross-linking treatment efficacy on a personalized basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lombardo
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei materiali, CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici, Messina, Italy
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Villari
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei materiali, CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici, Messina, Italy
| | - Norberto L Micali
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei materiali, CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici, Messina, Italy
| | - Nancy Leone
- Dipartimento Scienze Chimiche e Tecnologie dei materiali, CNR-IPCF, Istituto per i Processi Chimico Fisici, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Labate
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Ponte P. Bucci, Università della Calabria, Calabria, Italy
| | - Maria P De Santo
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Ponte P. Bucci, Università della Calabria, Calabria, Italy
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Lombardo G, Micali NL, Villari V, Leone N, Serrao S, Rusciano D, Lombardo M. Assessment of stromal riboflavin concentration–depth profile in nanotechnology-based transepithelial corneal crosslinking. J Cataract Refract Surg 2017; 43:680-686. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2017.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Lombardo M, Giannini D, Lombardo G, Serrao S. Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Transepithelial Corneal Cross-linking Using Iontophoresis with the Dresden Protocol in Progressive Keratoconus. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:804-812. [PMID: 28283279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare clinical outcomes of transepithelial corneal cross-linking using iontophoresis (T-ionto CL) and standard corneal cross-linking (standard CL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus 12 months after the operation. DESIGN Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-four eyes of 25 participants with progressive keratoconus were randomized into T-ionto CL (22 eyes) or standard CL (12 eyes). METHODS T-ionto CL was performed using an iontophoresis device with dextran-free 0.1% riboflavin-5-phosphate solution with enhancers and by irradiating the cornea with a 10 mW/cm2 ultraviolet A device for 9 minutes. Standard CL was performed according to the Dresden protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was stabilization of keratoconus after 12 months through analysis of maximum simulated keratometry readings (Kmax, diopters). Other outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), manifest spherical equivalent refraction (D), central corneal thickness (CCT, micrometers) and endothelial cell density (ECD). Follow-up examinations were arranged at 3 and 7 days and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS Twelve months after T-ionto CL and standard CL, Kmax on average flattened by -0.52±1.30 D (P = 0.06) and -0.82±1.20 D (P = 0.04), respectively. The mean change in CDVA was -0.10±0.12 logMAR (P = 0.003) and -0.03±0.06 logMAR (P = 0.10) after T-ionto CL and standard CL, respectively. The manifest spherical equivalent refraction changed on average by +0.71±1.44 D (P = 0.03) and +0.21±0.76 D (P = 0.38), respectively. The CCT and ECD measures did not change significantly in any group at 12 months. Significant differences in the outcome measures between treatments were found in the first week postoperatively. No complications occurred in the T-ionto CL group; 1 eye (8%) had sterile corneal infiltrates, which did not affect the final visual acuity, in the standard CL group. CONCLUSIONS Significant visual and refractive improvements were found 12 months after T-ionto CL, though the average improvement in corneal topography readings was slightly lower than the Dresden protocol in the same period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppe Lombardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Messina, Italy; Vision Engineering Italy srl, Rome, Italy
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Lombardo M, Serrao S, Raffa P, Rosati M, Lombardo G. Novel Technique of Transepithelial Corneal Cross-Linking Using Iontophoresis in Progressive Keratoconus. J Ophthalmol 2016; 2016:7472542. [PMID: 27597895 PMCID: PMC5002487 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7472542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, the authors presented the techniques and the preliminary results at 6 months of a randomized controlled trial (NCT02117999) comparing a novel transepithelial corneal cross-linking protocol using iontophoresis with the Dresden protocol for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. At 6 months, there was a significant average improvement with an average flattening of the maximum simulated keratometry reading of 0.72 ± 1.20 D (P = 0.01); in addition, corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly (P = 0.08) and spherical equivalent refraction was significantly less myopic (P = 0.02) 6 months after transepithelial corneal cross-linking with iontophoresis. The novel protocol using iontophoresis showed comparable results with standard corneal cross-linking to halt progression of keratoconus during 6-month follow-up. Investigation of the long-term RCT outcomes are ongoing to verify the efficacy of this transepithelial corneal cross-linking protocol and to determine if it may be comparable with standard corneal cross-linking in the management of progressive keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lombardo
- Fondazione G.B. Bietti, IRCCS, Via Livenza 3, 00198 Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Raffa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare, Università di Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Marianna Rosati
- Fondazione G.B. Bietti, IRCCS, Via Livenza 3, 00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lombardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per i Processi Chimico-Fisici, Viale Stagno d'Alcontres 37, 98158 Messina, Italy
- Vision Engineering Italy srl, Via Adda 7, 00198 Rome, Italy
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