ABSTRACT
The aim of this work is to study the effect of liposome-bound tetracycline eye drops on a rabbit's dry eye model. Twenty four healthy adult male New Zealand albino rabbits were equally divided into control groups and dry eye induced groups. Dryness was induced in 24 eyes of 12 rabbits by instilling atropine sulphate eye drops 1% t.d.s for one week, then animals were subdivided into four groups; group 1 [rabbits with dry eye model, groups 2,3 and 4 [rabbits with dry eye model treated three times daily [t.d.s.] for 7 days starting on 7 [th] day of dryness induction with either tetracycline, liposome, oreombined tetracycline and liposome [topically] respectively]. Schirmer test and tear break up time [TBUT] were assessed on days 0,2,4,7,9,11 and 14. Animals were sacrificed at the 14[th] day and histopathological examination of the corneas and conjunctivae was done. TBUT and Schirmer test values were significantly improved in groups 2,3,4 as compared to group 1. The histopathological examination showed protection of corneas and conjunctivae in groups 2,3 and 4 against the dryness effect that continued to affect the cornea and conjunctival epithelium in group 1. There was a significant improvement in animals treated with liposome bound tetracycline eye drops [group 4] as compared to tetracycline alone [group 2] and liposome alone [group 3]. In conclusion, the use of liposome bound tetracycline was found beneficial to improve the dry eye induced inflammatory reaction