Effect of Retinol Palmitate Eye Drops on Experimental Keratoconjunctival Epithelial Damage Induced byn-Heptanol in Rabbit

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate ability of vitamin A (VA, retinol palmitate) to promote wound healing after injury in rabbit eye. Methods: After keratoconjunctival injury by 20 μ L of n-heptanol, VA eye drops at 500, 1000, or 1500 IU/mL were started 6 times a day for 11 days. Fluorescein and rose bengal staining and histological analysis were performed. Results: Fluorescein staining was significantly reduced by 1000 and 1500 IU/mL of VA and rose bengal staining by all concentrations. Histological examination revealed acceleration of wound healing after 7 days (1500 IU/mL). Conclusions: VA may be useful in treatment of keratoconjunctival injury.

KEYWORDS:

• dry eye
• goblet cell
• mucin
• vitamin A
• wound healing