Cysteine in corneal ulcer: part I. An experimental study

This study was undertaken to see the healing effect of cysteine in corneal ulcer of traumatic origin (nonalkali burn). In both eyes of 11 albino rabbits, central corneal ulcers in a 5 mm diameter area were produced. Cysteine drops of 0.1 M were instilled in one eye while placibo (normal saline) drops were used in the other eye. This work was carried out as a blind study. The result of present work showed that the average rate of healing was enhanced with cysteine--it was 74 hours with cysteine while with placibo (normal saline) 98.7 hours. The statistical analysis of the present observation, ie, p and t value was highly significant.