Posters

Toxicity of povidone iodine to the ocular surface of rabbits

Poster Details

First Author: H.Kim SOUTH KOREA

Co Author(s):                        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits.

Setting:

N/A

Methods:

Twenty three white rabbits were divided into four groups. In the control group, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied once, for 10 mins. In the PI groups, 5% (w/v) PI was topically administered (once) for 1 min, 3 mins, and 10 mins, and then the animals were observed for 7 days. The Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining, and conjunctival impression cytology, were performed on days 0, 3, and 7. After day 7 the rabbits were sacrificed and conjunctiva and cornea were collected and evaluated by light and electron microscope.

Results:

The decrease in goblet cell density (GCD) and histopathological changes of conjunctiva and cornea were more prominent in the 5% (w/v) PI groups than the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, these changes were more noticeable when PI was applied for 3 and 10 mins rather than 1 min (both P values < 0.05). Reductions in MUC5AC levels, and histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the conjunctiva, were more prominent in study groups exposed to PI for longer times.

Conclusions:

5% (w/v) povidone iodine caused damage to the ocular surface in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, excessive PI exposure during ophthalmic procedures could be a pathogenic factor of dry eye syndrome after surgery.

Financial Disclosure:

None