Effects of 0.1% Dexamethasone on Experimental corneal Epithelial Healing Following Alkali Wounds

ABSTRACT

The effect of topical steroid on corneal alkali wound has been controversial due to a complexity of its mechanism and a risk of ulceration and perforation. In this study, the effect of topical 0,1% dexamethasone on corneal epithelial wound healing following alkali burn was evaluated quantitatively. 22 eyes wounded by alkali burn out of 22 white rabbits were divided into 3 groups ; A group treated with topical 0.1% dexamethasone for eight weeks, B grouptreated with topical 0.1% dexamethasone for the first one week followed by another seven weeks without treatment, C group with no treatment served as a control. The area of corneal epithelial defect was examined at 6, 18, 30, 42 hours following corneal alkali wound for initial wound healing and examined every other day from 4 days to 48 days following corneal alkali wound for late wound healing. In this study, it was found that topical 0.1% dexamethasone delayed corneal epithelial healing following corneal alkali burn in both stage of initial and late wound healing.