The effect of collagen cross-linkage inhibitors on rabbit corneas after radial keratotomy.

The inhibition of collagen cross-linkage by beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and D-penicillamine was tested in an attempt to enhance the myopic correction achieved by radial keratotomy. Two groups of six rabbits each underwent radial keratotomy in both eyes; one eye of each rabbit was treated with BAPN (33% in white petrolatum) or D-penicillamine (1.5 M in sterile water) three times a day for 6 weeks, while the other eye received only vehicle. In spite of previous reports of positive results with BAPN, neither BAPN nor penicillamine was found to affect keratometry readings or corneal topography after radial keratotomy. Our results suggest that factors other than collagen cross-linkage exert major influences in determining the outcome of this refractive procedure.