Comparison of fresh and preserved decellularized human corneal lenticules in femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty

Substantial evidence has demonstrated the application of fresh and decellularized human corneal lentic-ules from increasing myopic surgeries. Further preservation of decellularized corneal lenticules would extend its clinical application. However, whether fresh and preserved decellularized lenticules have the same effects in vivo , including refractive correction, remains unclear. Here, we made comprehensive com-parisons between fresh human lenticules (FHLs) and preserved decellularized human lenticules (DHLs). Another group of decellularized lenticules was combined with crosslinking for potential keratoconus ther-apy. Optical transparency, biomechanical properties, and fibrillar ultrastructure were analyzed to evaluate the DHLs and crosslinked DHLs (cDHLs) in vitro . The DHLs retained high transparency and regular ultra -structure, with genetic materials mostly being eliminated. The strength of lenticules in the cDHL group was markedly increased by crosslinking. Moreover, after storage in glycerol for 3 months, the lenticules were reimplanted into rabbit corneal lamellar pockets assisted by a femtosecond laser. The rabbits were followed for another 3 months. There were no obvious rejective complications in any of the three groups. From 1 week to 3 months postoperatively, the host corneas of the FHL group remained highly transparent, while slight hazes were observed in the DHL group. However, the corneas of the cDHL group displayed opacity throughout the 3-month postoperative period. Furthermore, all the lenticules could effectively in-duce corneal steepening and refractive changes. Taken together, our data indicated that FHLs are ideal inlay products, whereas preserved DHLs could be an alternative for intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty. Our study provides new insights into the clinical application of human lenticule recycling.

Automated summary

This study compared fresh and preserved decellularized human corneal lenticules in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that preserved lenticules had similar transparency and ultrastructure as fresh lenticules, and crosslinking could enhance their strength. In rabbit experiments, the lenticules were successfully implanted and induced corneal deformation and refractive changes. The study suggests that fresh lenticules are ideal for implantation, while preserved decellularized lenticules could be an alternative for intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty.