Purpose To evaluate the efficacy, safety and biodegradation of chitosan-gelatin sceral buckles in rabbit eyes.
Methods  Segmental scleral buckling was performed on the left eye of each rabbit. There were 40 rabbits in chitosan-gelatin group and 20 rabbits in silicone sponge group. B-scan ocular ultrasonography was used to evaluate buckling effect. Retinal function after implantation was evaluated by electroretinograms. Tissue reaction and biocompatibility was examined by histology. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to analyze structural changes after episcleral implantation. Degradation of chitosan-gelatin was assessed by mass loss.
Results  Indentation of both implants decreased over time. However, the indentation created by chitosan-gelatin implant was lower than silicone sponge one. Extrusion of implant was found in 5% eyes of silicone sponge group. Electroretinography revealed no detectable diference in retinal function between the two groups. Partially degraded chitosan-gelatin, newly formed capillaries, loose connective tissue and some cell infiltration were found in chitosan-gelatin, howwever, only slight cell infiltration in silicone sponge. Over 9-month observation period, degradation rate of the chitosan-gelatin was about 36%.
Conclusion  Chitosan-gelatin polymer was used effectively and safely as an implant for scleral bucking in a rabbit and showed good biodegradation.