Spatial targeted delivery of riboflavin with a controlled corneal iontophoresis delivery system in theranostic‐guided UV‐A light photo‐therapy

Abstract

AbstractSeven human donor eye globes underwent corneal cross‐linking using theranostic UV‐A device with accessory corneal iontophoresis system for patterned delivery of a 0.22% riboflavin solution. Theranostic‐guided UV‐A light illumination assessed riboflavin distribution and treated corneas at 10 mW/cm2 for 9 min with a 5.0‐mm beam size. Corneal topography maps were taken at baseline and 2‐h post‐treatment. Analysis utilized corneal topography elevation data, with results showing controlled riboflavin delivery led to a consistent gradient, with 40% higher levels centrally (248 ± 79 μg/cm3) than peripherally (180 ± 72 μg/cm3 at ±2.5 mm from the center). Theranostic‐guided UV‐A light irradiation resulted in significant changes in corneal topography, with a decrease in best‐fit sphere value (−0.7 ± 0.2 D; p < 0.001) and consistent downward shift in corneal elevation map (−11.7 ± 3.7 μm). The coefficient of variation was 2.5%, indicating high procedure performance in achieving significant and reliable corneal flattening.