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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing
Published on: July 10, 2018
Effect of acetylcysteine on experimental corneal wounds in dogs
S J Aldavood1, R Behyar, A A Sarchahi
1Tehran University, Tehran, Iran. sja@iranianvet.com
Abstract:
The effects of 3, 10 and 20% concentrations of acetylcysteine on experimental corneal wound healing in dogs were evaluated. Experimental corneal wounds were induced surgically, up to the depth of the anterior third of the stroma, in both eyes of 18 dogs. One of the eyes was treated topically with 0.9% NaCl solution three times a day. The contralateral eye was treated topically with acetylcysteine (3, 10 and 20% concentrations) in each of 6 cases separately. Corneal wounds were measured by fluorescein staining every day. The mean time of healing in the 3% group was significantly different from control eyes (6.17 +/- 1.94 days). It was 7.19 +/- 0.75 days in the 20% group and 7 +/- 2 days in the 10% group. The last two groups were not significantly different from the controls (9.67 +/- 3.01 days and 8.17 +/- 3.60 days, respectively).
Insights
Acetylcysteine eye drops were tested on canine corneal wounds. The 3% concentration significantly accelerated healing compared to controls, while 10% and 20% showed no significant difference.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Corneal wound healing is crucial for maintaining ocular health.
- Acetylcysteine is known for its mucolytic properties and potential therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of varying acetylcysteine concentrations on experimental corneal wound healing in dogs.
- To compare healing times between acetylcysteine-treated eyes and control eyes.
Main Methods:
- Surgical induction of corneal wounds in 18 dogs.
- Topical application of 0.9% NaCl solution (control) and acetylcysteine (3%, 10%, 20%) in contralateral eyes.
- Daily assessment of corneal wound healing using fluorescein staining.
Main Results:
- The 3% acetylcysteine group showed a significantly shorter mean healing time (6.17 days) compared to controls (9.67 days).
- The 10% (7 days) and 20% (7.19 days) acetylcysteine groups did not demonstrate a significant difference in healing time compared to controls.
- Individual variations in healing times were observed across all groups.
Conclusions:
- Low-concentration acetylcysteine (3%) may promote faster corneal wound healing in dogs.
- Higher concentrations (10%, 20%) of acetylcysteine did not significantly enhance the healing process in this experimental model.
- Further research is warranted to determine optimal concentrations and mechanisms of action for acetylcysteine in corneal repair.
