Further Investigations on the Crosslinking of Tarsal Collagen as a Treatment for Eyelid Laxity: Optimizing the Procedure in Animal Tissue.

Abstract

PURPOSE A follow-up experimental study on the exposure of animal tarsal plate to ultraviolet-A radiation aimed at establishing an optimum range for safe irradiation conditions. METHODS Sheep tarsus specimens were excised postmortem and then subjected to irradiation with ultraviolet-A rays (wavelength 365 nm) at higher irradiances than those reported in an initial study, using a laboratory radiation source. The mechanical properties (tensile strength and Young's modulus) of irradiated and nonirradiated samples were evaluated in a mechanical tester. The test and control specimens were examined histologically with an aim to assess the effects of radiation upon the meibomian glands and tarsal collagen networks, and to establish a safe range for the exposure irradiance level. RESULTS As expected, irradiation induced both stiffening and strengthening of the tarsal plate specimens. At an irradiance of 50 mW/cm for 3-minute exposure, these effects were at their maximum level, after which a decline in mechanical characteristics were observed. No destruction of the tarsal connective tissue or the meibomian glands were noticed up to an irradiance of 125 mW/cm for 3-minute exposure, corresponding to a fluence of 22.5 J/cm. Histology revealed that the collagen network surrounding the glands were packed more compactly following irradiation. At a fluence of 45 J/cm, massive destruction of periglandular collagen-rich network and meibocytes were demonstrated histologically. CONCLUSIONS The study indicates that irradiation of tarsal collagen leading to tissue stiffening shall be carried out at levels of fluence between 10 and 15 J/cm, a region that is deemed safe. The exposure time can be adjusted according to the surgeon's decision.