Keratopathy of the rabbit cornea following complete eyelid closure

The corneal response to a complete tarsorrhaphy was studied in 46 rabbits for time periods up to 21 days. During the first 7 days of complete eyelid closure corneal thickness increased up to 18.4%, glycogen decreased 32.2%, and lactate rose 27.2%. A steep increase in corneal thickness to 89.8% appeared after 14 days, followed by decreasing values at 21 days, which was concomitant with the formation of extensive vascularized pannus. These results confirm previous findings that the partial pressure of O2 under closed eye conditions is substantially below physiologic requirements, affects endothelial pump capability, and results in major corneal swelling. When silicone contact lenses were fitted immediately before eyelid closure, corneal swelling 2 days after lid closure did not differ from that in eyes without lenses.