Background Scleral cross-linking is a potential method to inhibit axial elongation of the eye, preventing the progression of pathological myopia. Formaldehyde releasers, which are common preservatives found in cosmetics and ophthalmic solutions, have been shown to be not only effective in cross-linking corneal collagen in vitro and in vivo, but also have minimal toxicity effects on the eye. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of scleral cross-linking using sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (SMG) to inhibit eye growth using an in vivo rabbit model. Methods A cross-linking solution containing 40 mM SMG was delivered to the sub-Tenon’s space behind the equator. The application regimen included a two-quadrant injection performed five times over 2 weeks on New Zealand White rabbits (n=5, group 1), and one-time injection followed for up to 5 days on Dutch-Belted rabbits (n=6, group 2). Group 1 was monitored serially for axial length changes using B-scan ultrasound for 5–6 weeks. Group 2 was injected with a higher viscosity solution formulation. Both groups were evaluated for thermal denaturation temperature changes of the sclera postmortem. Results Axial growth was limited by 10%–20% following SMG treatment as compared with the untreated eye. Thermal denaturation analysis showed increased heat resistance of the treated eyes in the areas of injection. Overall, the SMG treatment inhibited eye growth with few side effects from the injections. Conclusions Cross-linking solutions delivered via sub-Tenon injection provide a potential method for limiting axial length growth in progressive myopia and could be used as a potential treatment for myopia. Data are available upon reasonable request. Data are available upon reasonable request from corresponding authors.

中文翻译：

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通过在活兔身上注射交联溶液来抑制巩膜生长迟缓


背景巩膜交联是抑制眼轴伸长、防止病理性近视进展的潜在方法。甲醛释放剂是化妆品和眼用溶液中常见的防腐剂，已被证明不仅可以在体外和体内有效交联角膜胶原蛋白，而且对眼睛的毒性作用也很小。本研究旨在利用体内兔模型评估使用羟甲基甘氨酸钠（SMG）进行巩膜交联抑制眼睛生长的功效。方法 将含有 40 mM SMG 的交联溶液输送至赤道后方的 sub-Tenon 空间。应用方案包括对新西兰白兔（n=5，第 1 组）进行 2 周内 5 次的两象限注射，以及对荷兰带兔（n=6，第 1 组）进行一次注射，持续长达 5 天。第 2 组）。使用 B 扫描超声连续监测第 1 组的眼轴长度变化 5-6 周。第2组注射了更高粘度的溶液制剂。评估两组死后巩膜的热变性温度变化。结果 与未治疗的眼睛相比，SMG 治疗后眼轴生长受到 10%–20% 的限制。热变性分析显示，接受治疗的眼睛注射区域的耐热性有所增加。总体而言，SMG 治疗抑制了眼睛生长，且注射副作用很少。结论 通过凸筋下注射提供的交联溶液提供了一种限制进行性近视眼轴长度增长的潜在方法，并且可以用作近视的潜在治疗方法。数据可根据合理要求提供。数据可根据相应作者的合理要求提供。