Title | Comparison of the effect of novel lubricant eye drops on corneal healing in an ex-vivo model |
Abstract Nr. | 1027 |
Purpose | To evaluate the corneal toxicity of novel lubricant eye drops. |
Methods | Systane® Ultra (PEG 400 0.4%, PEG 0.3%, Alcon) and product on development (POD, ingredients to be reported promptly, Horus Pharm) were tested regarding corneal irritability versus Vismed Multi® (sodium hyaluronate 0.18%, TRB Chemedica) and benzalkonium-chloride 0.01 % as negative and positive control, respectively. Formulas (30-40 µl per hour) were applied hourly in-vitro for six days on rabbit corneas (n=5) cultured in artificial anterior chambers (EVEIT system). Initially, four corneal abrasions (2.4 – 4.3 mm²) were induced. All defects were monitored during drop application by fluorescein stains and photographs. To ensure corneal vitality, glucose/lactate concentrations in artificial anterior chamber fluids were determined photometrically. |
Results | All products showed a complete corneal healing on day 2 and 3. Thereafter, all five Systane® Ultra-treated corneas developed progressive erosions until day six (25,19 µm, +/-21.84 µm) while for POD only one cornea showed an erosion on day six (23.11 µm, +/- 37.02 µm). No significant differences between POD and Vismed® Multi were observed, this in contrast to Systane® Ultra (p<0.01). Glucose/lactate concentrations remained unchanged for POD and Vismed® Multi while Systane® Ultra led to a increase in lactate (p<0.05). |
Conclusion | This study suggested a cumulative corneal toxicity of Systane® Ultra in case of overdosing. This effect is not well understood and could be caused by its ingredients, aminomethyl propanol or polyquaternium-1 which are known as mild irritants. In contrast, the POD and Vismed Multi did not affect the corneal integrity. |
Last name | DUTESCU |
Initials | RM |
Department | ACTO e.V., RWTH University |
City | Aachen |
Last name | Panfil |
Initials | C |
Department | ACTO e.V., RWTH University |
City | Aachen |
Last name | Schrage |
Initials | N |
Department | ACTO e.V., RWTH University |
City | Aachen |