The Relationship Between Ascorbic Acid Concentration of Anterior Chamber and Complication in Alkali-Injured Rabbit Eyes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To study the relationship between the concentration of ascorbic acid in the anterior chamber and the complications of an experimental alkali burn in rabbit corneas. METHODS: Standardized corneal alkali wounds were induced in both eyes of 33 albino rabbits by applying a 5.5 mm-sized round filter paper, soaked in 1N NaOH for 20 seconds. Then, the control group (22 eyes) was given Tears Natural II(R) (Alcon), treated group A (22 eyes) was given ascorbic acid (10%) for 2 hours, and treated group B (22 eyes) was given ascorbic acid (10%) for 6 hours. The concentrations of ascorbic acid in the anterior chamber were measured using a microplate assay immediately post-injury, and at 5 days, 15 days, and 30 days post-injury. During the experiment, clinical observation was performed to detect complications such as corneal ulcer or perforation. RESULTS: The incidence of ulceration was significantly lower between control group and treated groups A and B (p<0.05). The incidence of perforation was significantly lower in treated group A compared to the control group B (p<0.05). In addition, a higher concentration of ascorbic acid in the anterior chamber and a lower severity of corneal injury was significant (sigma=-0.302, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher concentrations of ascorbic acid in the anterior chamber were associated with fewer complications in experimental alkali burns in rabbit corneas.