Biodegradation and biocompatibility of calcium phosphate-coated magnesium in eye environment, in vitro and in vivo

•Magnesium coated with different calcium phosphates can improve the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium in varying degrees. As for the HA-coated magnesium, it showed the lowest corrosion rate (0.22 mm/a) and higher cell viability.•The corrosion rates were higher in vivo than in vitro. Moreover, the degradation in vivo was a accelerated process, while the corrosion in vitro was decelerated with time.•HA-Mg inhibited α-SMA and collagen-1 proteins expression, prevented scar formation of scleral drainage channel. When the HA-Mg disappeared completely in 15 weeks post-operation, the scleral drainage channel formed and kept unblocking without obvious inflammation.