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Corneal Epithelial Removal with a Newly Designed Epithelial Brush
Ho Seok Chung1, Seung Hwan Moon2, Soon-Suk Kang2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 14, 2022
Summary
A novel epithelial removal brush demonstrated superior performance in a rabbit corneal defect model. This new brush facilitated earlier significant epithelial recovery and created a smoother stromal surface compared to conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal epithelial defects require effective removal methods.
- Conventional techniques may cause stromal surface irregularities and inflammation.
- A new epithelial removal brush (Ocu group) was developed for improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a new epithelial removal brush against conventional methods (blades and rotating brushes) in a rabbit corneal epithelial defect model.
- To evaluate the impact of different epithelial removal techniques on corneal healing and stromal surface quality.
Main Methods:
- Corneal epithelia were removed from 37 rabbits using blades, the new Ocu brush, or conventional Amo brushes.
- Defect area was measured via light microscopy at multiple time points post-removal.
- Histological (H&E, PCNA, pHSP27) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- The Ocu group showed significantly earlier epithelial recovery (18, 24, 50 hours) compared to blade and Amo groups (50 hours only).
- SEM revealed a more regular and uniform stromal surface with the Ocu brush.
- The blade group exhibited increased inflammatory cell infiltration compared to other groups.
Conclusions:
- The newly developed epithelial brush offers superior polishing ability, promoting faster epithelial healing and a smoother stromal surface in rabbit corneal defect models.
- These findings suggest potential advantages for the Ocu brush in ophthalmic procedures, including laser surface ablation.
