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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Ex Vivo Corneal Organ Culture Model for Wound Healing Studies
Published on: February 15, 2019
Corneal wound healing strength with topical antiinflammatory drugs
B E McCarey1, J A Napalkov, P A Pippen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to compare the force required to separate corneal wounds after topical applications of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids. Bilateral central 8-mm long corneal full-thickness incisions in 50 NZW rabbits were closed with five interrupted 10-0 nylon sutures. There were four paired-eye groups: (a) control/control, (b) control/diclofenac sodium (0.1%), (c) control/flurbiprofen sodium (0.03%), and (d) control/prednisolone acetate (1%) treated six times per day for 7 or 21 days. The wound strength was measured by determining the force necessary to separate the incision along its length. The eyes did not differ statistically from their contralateral eye for each group except control/diclofenac (7.98 g/12.32 g) and control/flurbiprofen (6.96 g/11.67 g) at 21 days. The strongest scars occurred after treatment with diclofenac and flurbiprofen, which were similar (p = 0.74). The weakest wounds for each time period were with prednisolone (1.74 g/3.21 g). The diclofenac and flurbiprofen were stronger than prednisolone-treated eyes at 7 days (p = 0.028 and p = 0.023, respectively) and at 21 days (p < 0.001). The bilateral controls were stronger than the prednisolone controls (p = 0.008 at 7 days and p = 0.001 at 21 days). Steroid treatment caused weaker corneal wound scars than did the NSAIDs. Unilateral steroid treatment adversely affected their untreated contralateral eyes. The NSAID-treated wounds were the strongest and stronger than their contralateral control eyes.
Insights
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and flurbiprofen significantly enhanced corneal wound strength in rabbits. Corticosteroid treatment, however, weakened wound healing and negatively impacted untreated eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Wound Healing
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Corneal wound healing is crucial for maintaining ocular integrity and visual function.
- Topical anti-inflammatory drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, are frequently used post-ophthalmic surgery.
- The differential effects of these drug classes on corneal wound strength require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biomechanical strength of corneal wounds treated with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) versus corticosteroids.
- To evaluate the impact of these agents on wound closure and scar integrity over time.
Main Methods:
- Full-thickness corneal incisions were created in New Zealand White rabbits and closed with sutures.
- Eyes were topically treated with diclofenac sodium, flurbiprofen sodium, prednisolone acetate, or a control solution.
- Wound strength was quantified by measuring the force required to separate the corneal incisions at 7 and 21 days post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Corneal wounds treated with NSAIDs (diclofenac and flurbiprofen) exhibited significantly greater strength compared to controls and corticosteroid-treated eyes.
- Prednisolone acetate treatment resulted in the weakest corneal wound scars, significantly weaker than NSAID-treated and control eyes.
- Unilateral corticosteroid treatment demonstrated an adverse effect on the healing of the untreated contralateral eye.
Conclusions:
- Topical NSAIDs enhance corneal wound healing and strength, making them a potentially beneficial treatment option.
- Corticosteroids impair corneal wound healing, leading to weaker scars and potentially compromising ocular integrity.
- The findings suggest a differential impact of anti-inflammatory drug classes on corneal wound biomechanics.
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