Purpose: To test the efficacy and safety of a biodegradable collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) polymer as the material for scleral buckling in rabbit eyes.
Methods: Segmental scleral buckling was performed by using a silicone sponge in one eye and a biodegradable CG polymer in the other eye of 20 rabbits. Wound and conjunctival reactions were evaluated by external photographs 1 day and then every week after surgery. Echography was used to evaluate the extent of the buckling effect. Electroretinograms were used to evaluate the retinal function after scleral buckling. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to check the tissue reaction and distribution of myofibroblasts during wound healing. Scanning electronic microscopy of buckling materials was used to analyze structural changes after episcleral implantation.
Results: Biodegradable collagen initially achieved a buckling effect comparable to a silicone sponge; the buckling effect decreased after 1 month. Within 8 to 12 weeks, the collagen was gradually absorbed. After implantation, the collagen matrix degraded, and the pore size decreased as a result of compression and degradation. In contrast, no major structural changes were observed in silicone sponges, except some cell debris, fibrin, and blood cells were detected inside the porous structure of the sponge. The inflammatory responses were comparable between sponge and collagen in most areas of peribuckling histology. In areas of degraded collagen, a foreign body reaction was observable. Electroretinography revealed no detectable difference in retinal function between control and experimental eyes.
Conclusions: Biodegradable collagen was used effectively and safely as a material for scleral buckling.