Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: This study was conducted using pigmented rabbits, and evaluated healing in corneas treated with either VigamoxTM (0.5% moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution) or ZymarTM (0.3% gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution) following penetrating keratotomy (linear incision). Methods: Animals (n = 3 per group) underwent surgery to create a 6–mm penetrating linear incision into the central cornea of both eyes (OU). The wounds were subsequently closed with two 10–0 nylon sutures and the animals were treated for seven days with Vigamox (one drop, TID), Zymar (one drop, QID) or BSS® sterile irrigating solution (one drop, QID). During this time animals underwent slit–lamp biomicroscopic examinations. Upon completion of dosing, animals were euthanatized and the eyes removed. The left eye (OS) of each animal was fixed and processed for histopathology. Slides were evaluated in a masked fashion by a board certified ophthalmic pathologist. The right eye (OD) of each animal was fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Results: No appreciable differences were noted between groups with regard to slit–lamp examinations, histopathology, or electron microscopy. Normal remodeling processes were observed, but no evidence of aberrant electron densities associated with the basal epithelial cells, basement membrane, anchoring filiments, collagen fibrils, extracellular matrix, or stromal keratocytes were observed. In both treatment groups, the basement membrane was laid down and hemi–desmosomes formed as soon as the cells migrated over the bare stromal bed. Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that there was similar healing in pigmented rabbit corneas following central corneal linear incision and subsequent treatment with Vigamox, Zymar, or BSS.
Keywords: antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics • wound healing