Comparison of the Epithelial Wound Healing of Canine Cornea According to Epithelial Removal Techniques

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:We examined the effect of the various epithelial removal techniques on the wound healing of canine cornea. Methods:Operations by three techniques ( mechanical scraping by means of a surgical blade, removal by 20% ethanol, removal with rotating brush) were performed in 18 eyes from 9 dogs and wound healing process was compared using fluorescein stain, light and transmission electron microscopic examination. Results:Fluorescein stained area of the cornea was reduced after 12 hours in three groups but it was not statistically significant (P<0.05). On light microscopic examination, flat migrating with 1 cell layer was examined at 24 hours, nearly normal stratified epithelium was examined at 72 hours in all three goups. On transmission electron microscopic examination, several hemidesmosomes with partial intercellular space were found at 24 hours in all three groups. At 72 hours, nearly normal hemidesmosomes were found in all three groups. Conclusions:wound healing process has not significant difference as epithelial removal technique.

Keywords: cornea: epithelium • animal model • cornea: epithelium