Genipin and UV-CLX is safe and effective for keratoconus

Genipin and UV-riboflavin crosslinking (UV-CLX) is a safe and effective procedure for keratoconus, claims a study in Molecular Vision.

Dr Marcel Y. Avila et al., Department of Ophthalmology, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia, separated porcine eyes into three groups comprising genipin 0.25% UV-CLX (clinical crosslinking procedure), a glutaraldehyde 0.1% (gold standard crosslinker) and control.

A pressure sensor cannulated to the anterior chamber continuously monitored all groups. Changes in ocular pressure due to ocular volume were evaluated. The exponential of polynomial quadratic fit was used to calculate ocular rigidity. A viability assay with alizarin red staining was used to assess endothelial damage.

In the genpin and UV-CLX globes where the cornea was stiffened there were significant changes in IOP. Mean ocular rigidity coefficient was 0.0078 mmHg/μL for genpin, 0.0065 mmHg/μL for UV-CLX, 0.0092 mmHg/μL for glutaraldehide and 0.0046 mmHg/μL for control eyes.

In the control group endothelial damage was 5.9±1.8%, 10.3±1.7% in UV-CLX, 9.4±1.5% in Genipin 0.25% and 40.1±6.2% in glutaraldehide. In the UV-CLX group there was a significant reduction of keratocites.