Mechanisms of Corneal Tissue Cross-linking in Response to Treatment with Topical Riboflavin and Long-Wavelength Ultraviolet Radiation (UVA)

Abstract

RFUVA catalyzes cross-linking reactions that require production of singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)), whose half-life is extended by D(2)O. Carbonyl-based cross-linking reactions dominate in the corneal stroma, but other possible reaction schemes are proposed. The use of D(2)O as solution media for RF would enable concentration decreases or significant strength enhancement in treated corneas.