Experimental Modeling Of Corneal Ectasia Phenotypes On Human Donor Corneas And Evaluation Of The Flattening Effect Of Implanted Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (Cairs)
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP30.10 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/5r2a-aw50
Authors: Dr Eric Abdullayev* 1 , Dr Bekzod Khadjimukhamedov 2 , Mr Art Kurz 1
1Lions World Vision Institute,Tampa,United States, 2Doctor Maksudova Clinic,Tashkent,Uzbekistan
Purpose
To develop a reproducible experimental platform for modeling corneal ectasia phenotypes on human donor corneas and to quantitatively evaluate the corneal flattening effect of implanted dehydrated corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS)
Setting
Experimental study performed at the Lions World Vision Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
Methods
Two complementary experimental approaches were developed to induce ectatic changes in human donor corneas: (1) controlled enzymatic stromal weakening and (2) a novel mechanical deformation technique designed to reproduce clinically relevant keratoconus phenotypes. Corneal tomography was performed using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR, Oculus) to confirm the presence and morphology of induced ectasia. Dehydrated CAIRS segments of two widths (0.75 mm and 1.50 mm) were implanted into single intrastromal tunnels with inner diameters of 1.25 mm and 2.00 mm, respectively. Maximum keratometry (Kmax) was measured before ectasia induction and 2 hours after CAIRS implantation
Results
The enzymatic model reliably generated ectatic corneal changes, with mean Kmax increasing from 45.7 D to 49.8 D. The novel mechanical method successfully reproduced distinct keratoconus phenotypes, including “nipple cone” and “snowman” configurations, with mean Kmax increasing from 45.7 D to 53.6 D. Scheimpflug tomography demonstrated substantial corneal flattening following CAIRS implantation. Mean Kmax decreased by 9.0 D with 0.75-mm segments and by 11.2 D with 1.50-mm segments
Conclusions
A reproducible ex vivo platform for modeling keratoconus phenotypes on human donor corneas was successfully established. Implantation of dehydrated CAIRS produced marked corneal flattening, with a greater effect observed with larger segment widths. This experimental model may provide a valuable translational framework for evaluating intrastromal corneal implants and optimizing surgical parameters for the treatment of corneal ectasia