Aciclovir and corneal wound healing

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Corneal wound healing is crucial for maintaining ocular health.
• Antiviral medications are used to treat ocular infections, but their effects on healing require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the toxic effects of 3% aciclovir and 0.5% idoxuridine ointments on corneal wound healing in a rabbit model.

Main Methods:

• Masked, controlled rabbit studies were conducted.
• Corneal wound healing was assessed clinically and histologically.
• Epithelial and stromal wound healing parameters were measured, including re-epithelialization and collagen content (hydroxyproline levels).

Main Results:

• Aciclovir showed no significant detrimental effects on epithelial healing or collagen content compared to controls.
• Idoxuridine caused significant toxic changes in the regenerating epithelium and delayed epithelial wound healing.
• Idoxuridine led to a reduction in corneal collagen content, significantly lower than aciclovir-treated eyes.

Conclusions:

• 0.5% idoxuridine ointment exhibits significant toxicity and impairs corneal wound healing.
• 3% aciclovir ointment appears safe for corneal wound healing at therapeutic concentrations.