Effects of topical 10% ascorbate solution on established corneal ulcers after severe alkali burns

When established corneal ulcers induced by alkali burning were treated with 10% ascorbate drops, no perforation occurred, in contrast to a 25% incidence in the control group. If perforations and descemetoceles were grouped together, these difference became insignificant (i.e., 14.2% ascorbate-treated vs. 25% control). Prolongation of descemetocele presence without perforation in the ascorbate-treated group indicated some therapeutic effect. We conclude that topical ascorbate does not substantially alter the outcome of established corneal ulcers.