Lack of effect of pilocarpine on corneal epithelial wound healing

The effect of a commercially available pilocarpine preparation on corneal epithelial healing rates was evaluated in rabbit eyes. Epithelial defects were created with filter paper discs soaked in n-heptanol. After creation of the defects, the corneas were stained with fluorescein and photographed using a Wratten blue filter. Follow-up examinations, drop administration, and photography were carried out every six hours for three days. Defect size was determined by computerized planimetry. The first phase of this study compared the effects of non-preserved saline and a commercially available methylcellulose preparation. The second phase compared a commercially available 2% pilocarpine preparation with 2% pilocarpine solution in non-preserved saline. We found that 2% pilocarpine had no significant effect on corneal epithelial healing rates.