Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the effect of topical application of gefarnate ointment on corneal epithelial damage in a rabbit model of dry eye.
Methods: :
The dry eye model was created by removal of the main lacrimal gland, harderian gland, and nictitating membrane of the rabbit. Gefarnate ointment was applied topically to the eye 8 weeks after surgery, and corneal epithelial damage was subsequently evaluated by measurement of corneal permeability to rose bengal. For the dosage experiment, gefarnate ointment was applied once daily for 7 days at concentrations of 0.03 to 3%. For the usage experiment, gefarnate ointment was applied at a concentration of 0.3% once or twice daily for 3 days.
Results: :
The rose bengal staining score of the corneal epithelium and corneal permeability to rose bengal increased with time after surgery, reaching a plateau at 8 weeks, in the rabbit model of dry eye. No marked changes in the fluorescein staining score of the corneal epithelium or in tear secretion were apparent for up to 12 weeks after surgery. Application of gefarnate ointment once daily for 7 days to affected eyes resulted in a dose–dependent decrease in rose bengal permeability into the cornea, with the effect being significant (P < 0.01) at a concentration of 0.3% and above. No significant difference in the efficacy of gefarnate ointment (0.3%) was apparent between application once or twice a day for 3 days.
Conclusions: :
These results suggest that topical application of gefarnate ointment once a day ameliorates corneal epithelial damage in a rabbit model of dry eye. Gefarnate might thus prove effective for the treatment of dry eye in humans.
Keywords: cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: surface mucins • cornea: epithelium