TOPICAL USE OF ZINC DESFERRIOXAMINE FOR CORNEAL ALKALI INJURY IN A RABBIT MODEL

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of topical zinc desferrioxamine in a cute corneal alkali injury in rabbits. Methods, Twenty rabbits were an esthetized and a standardized alkali burn (1N NaOH) was performed in t he center of the cornea (7.5-mm diameter). The animals were randomly d ivided into two groups and treated (double-masked) with topical zinc d esferrioxamine, 220 mu M, (group 1) or its vehicle (group 2). Drops we re applied 7 times/day for 28 days. Topical gentamicin, 0.3%, was inst illed twice a day. Animals were evaluated twice a week. At each examin ation (using the slit-lamp), the depth of corneal ulcer was graded as follows: 0, no ulcer; 1, tissue loss less than one third of corneal th ickness; 2, one third to two thirds tissue loss; 3, more than two thir ds tissue loss; 4, descemetocele; or 5, perforation. Ulceration area, vascularization, and epithelial defects also were measured. Results. D uring the study period, the grading of mean corneal ulcerations in gro up 1 ranged from 0.2 to 1.00, whereas in group 2, it ranged from 1.4 t o 2.7. The mean grade and area of ulceration in group 2 were greater t han those in group 1 (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Topical zinc desferrioxam ine may be an adjunctive treatment in protecting the cornea against in duced alkali injury.