Comparison of the anti‐inflammatory effects of artificial tears in a rat model of corneal scraping

AbstractPurpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety and tolerance of cationic oil‐in‐water emulsion on debrided cornea, and to characterize its benefits on the corneal epithelium healing process.Methods A rat model of corneal scraping was used to characterize the effects of four commercially available artificial tears (Cationorm®, Vismed®, Optive® and Systane Balance®) on the recovery process of the debrided corneas. The upper part of the corneal epithelium was scraped mechanically prior to a 5‐day treatment with different artificial tears. At the end of the treatment, the ocular surface was evaluated clinically (corneal fluorescein staining, CFS) and by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). Conjunctival function was assessed by goblet cell count and MUC5AC immunostaining.Results The four artificial tears were all well tolerated by the debrided cornea. By restoring an adequately hydrated ocular surface environment they promote corneal healing, as evidenced by CFS measurements of the scraped area. In contrast 0.02% BAK solution inhibits the healing process. IVCM analysis of the different layers of the cornea confirmed the benefits of the cationic emulsion (Cationorm®). Interestingly inflammatory cells infiltration in the stroma was at its lower following Cationorm® treatment, while 0.02% BAK treatment resulted in marked inflammation. The different treatments were all able to protect goblet cells function and MUC5AC expression.Conclusion BAK‐free cationic emulsion (Cationorm®) is well tolerated by debrided cornea and allow for a safe healing of the cornea. The findings suggest that Cationorm® have the potential to benefit patients with corneal epithelium disorder. Commercial interest