Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) on the rabbit corneal epithelium studied by scanning electron microscopy.

We investigated the effect of 6 commercially available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) eye drops on the normal corneal epithelium of rabbits. Each drug was instilled into both eyes of 2 rabbits, 5 times a day, for 5 consecutive days. Two additional corneas of one rabbit, without any treatment, served as control. After treatment, the corneas were excised and processed for scanning electron microscopic evaluation. The epithelial changes induced by the drugs were graded by an empirical score system. All test compounds caused alterations in the cell membranes and surface microvilli, or even exfoliation and necrosis of surface cells. The extent of cell damage appeared to be related to the active ingredient in the eye drops, the pH of the solution, and the constituents of the vehicle, especially the type of preservative used.