Effect of fortified antibiotic solutions on corneal epithelial wound healing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of fortified antibiotic eyedrops on corneal epithelial wound healing.
METHODS: We developed an in vitro epithelial wound-healing model to evaluate the toxicity of antibiotics. An excimer laser was used to create an epithelial defect 1.5 mm in diameter, 70 microm in depth on the central area of porcine cornea. The intact animal globes were maintained in the incubator by a perfusion system. Fortified antibiotics: 10% piperacillin, 5% cefazolin, 0.5% chloramphenicol, 5% vancomycin, 1% amikacin, 2% gentamicin, and 0.1% amphotericin B were applied to the wound in three applications. The wounds were evaluated 24 h after setup with fluorescein stain and a scoring system.
RESULTS: The 0.1% amphotericin B and 2% gentamicin disturbed the corneal epithelial healing rate significantly. The remaining antibiotics did not interfere with the epithelial healing rate in our study design.
CONCLUSION: Fortified antibiotic eyedrops demonstrated varied degrees of influence on corneal epithelial wound healing. When antibiotic eyedrops are used, both the efficacy and toxicity of the antibiotics should be the major concern. If efficacy is equivalent, less-toxic agents should be given preference.