Possibilities of histological examination in studying the adequacy of corneal saturation with riboflavin solution during partial deepithelization

A comparative analysis of corneal saturation with riboflavin solution during standard, modified and transepithelial techniques of corneal collagen crosslinking on 15 porcine cadaveric eyes using the histologic method of investigation was carried out. The results of the study confirmed the need for corneal de-epithelialization to ensure sufficient saturation of the cornea with riboflavin solution. Partial de-epithelization in the area of keratoconus is admissible at carrying out ultraviolet crosslinking of corneal collagen (UV-CXL), because, according to the results of the histological method of research, there is a spreading of riboflavin solution into the corneal stroma under the intact epithelium.