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Published on: September 17, 2014
Early corneal edema following topical application of mitomycin-C
1Department of Ophthalmology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, 21 ZSection 2, Nan-Ya South Road, Ban-Chiao, Taipei 220, Taiwan. swchang@mail.femh.org.tw
Purpose:
To determine the effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) on the cornea after a single intraoperative application.
Setting:
Department of Ophthalmology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Ban-Chiao, Taipei, Taiwan.
Methods:
Mechanical epithelium debridement of the central 10.0 mm of the cornea was performed in 63 pigmented rabbits. One group of corneas (MMC1, n = 42) was soaked with MMC 0.01% solution for 2 minutes; the second group (MMC2, n = 42) was soaked with MMC 0.02% solution for 2 minutes. Control corneas (n = 42) were soaked with balanced salt solution for 2 minutes. Changes in the central corneal thickness, clarity, epithelial defect size, endothelial cell density, and endothelial apoptosis in the 3 groups were examined on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 14.
Results:
There was a dose-dependent increase in corneal thickness, decrease in corneal clarity, and increase in endothelial apoptosis after a single intraoperative application of MMC. The endothelium was significantly swollen and became pleomorphic and polymegethic with a concomitant decrease in endothelial cell density, also in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
A single application of MMC on the corneal surface caused dose-dependent corneal edema and endothelial apoptosis in the rabbit model. Further clinical study of human eyes is warranted.
Insights
A single application of mitomycin-C (MMC) causes dose-dependent corneal edema and endothelial apoptosis in rabbits. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these effects in human eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Ocular Pharmacology
Background:
- Mitomycin-C (MMC) is used intraoperatively.
- Its effects on the cornea require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of a single intraoperative application of mitomycin-C (MMC) on the cornea.
Main Methods:
- 63 rabbits underwent mechanical debridement of the central cornea.
- Corneas were treated with 0.01% or 0.02% MMC solution, or balanced salt solution (control).
- Corneal thickness, clarity, epithelial defect size, endothelial cell density, and apoptosis were assessed over 14 days.
Main Results:
- MMC application led to a dose-dependent increase in corneal thickness, decreased clarity, and increased endothelial apoptosis.
- Endothelial swelling, pleomorphism, and polymegathism were observed, with a dose-dependent decrease in cell density.
Conclusions:
- A single intraoperative application of MMC induces dose-dependent corneal edema and endothelial apoptosis in a rabbit model.
- Clinical studies in human eyes are recommended to validate these findings.
