Corneal endothelial changes caused by ophthalmic drugs

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The corneal endothelium is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity and function.
• Ophthalmic medications are frequently used, necessitating an understanding of their ocular side effects.
• Assessing the impact of common ophthalmic drugs on the corneal endothelium is vital for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphological effects of frequently used ophthalmic drugs on rabbit corneal endothelium.
• To differentiate between topical and subconjunctival administration routes regarding corneal endothelial response.

Main Methods:

• Rabbit eyes were treated with topical eye drops containing epinephrine, dipivalyl epinephrine, timolol, betamethasone, and gentamicin.
• Subconjunctival injections of timolol, betamethasone, and gentamicin were administered.
• Corneal endothelium morphology was examined using light microscopy.

Main Results:

• Topical epinephrine and dipivalyl epinephrine eye drops induced reversible swelling in corneal endothelial cells.
• No pathological changes were observed in the corneal endothelium after topical administration of timolol, betamethasone, and gentamicin.
• Subconjunctival injections of timolol, betamethasone, and gentamicin resulted in morphological alterations of the corneal endothelium.

Conclusions:

• Topical ophthalmic medications like epinephrine can cause transient corneal endothelial changes.
• Subconjunctival administration of certain ophthalmic drugs poses a risk to the corneal endothelium.
• Careful consideration of drug delivery route is important when evaluating potential ocular toxicity.