Experimental model of corneal haze in chickens

PURPOSE: To develop an experimental animal model of corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: Fifteen Iber Braun hens underwent unilateral PRK for -9.00 D of my opia. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, an d light microscopy was performed. RESULTS: Slit-lamp microscopy showed haze in the PRK-treated eyes. Histopat hologic study disclosed epithelial hyperplasia, basement membrane abnormali ties, and extensive anterior stromal disorganization. CONCLUSIONS: An easy and inexpensive model of haze after PRK was developed in an animal with Bowman's layer. This new model could be useful to underst and the pathophysiology and pharmacologic modulation of corneal haze.