Posters

Comparison of the lubricant eyedrops Optive®, Optive Fusion®, Systane® ULTRA and Vismed Multi® on the corneal healing process in an ex vivo model

Poster Details

First Author: R.Dutescu GERMANY

Co Author(s):    C. Panfil   N. Schrage           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the corneal toxicity of novel lubricant eye drops.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

Methods:

Optive® , Optive Fusion®, Systane® ULTRA were tested regarding corneal irritability versus Vismed Multi® and 0.01 % benzalkonium-chloride as negative and positive control, respectively. Formulas (30-40 µl per hour) were applied hourly in-vitro for six days on rabbit corneas (n=5) cultured in artificial anterior chambers (EVEIT system). Initially, four corneal abrasions (2.4 - 4.6 mm²) were induced. All defects were monitored during drop application by fluorescein stains and photographs. To ensure corneal vitality, glucose and lactate concentrations in artificial anterior chamber fluids were determined photometrically.

Results:

All products showed a complete corneal healing on day 2. Thereafter, all five Optive®- (24.96 µm, +/-21.45 µm, p<0.01)and Systane® ULTRA-treated corneas (25.19 µm +/-21.84 µm, p<0.01) developed progressive fluorescein-positive epithelial lesions until day six . For Optive Fusion® three corneas showed corneal erosions on day six (23.11 µm, +/- 37.02 µm, p>0.5) while Vismed Multi® did not adversely affect the corneal integrity. Glucose/lactate concentrations remained unchanged while lubricants were applied. Histology revealed epithelial loss and severe alterations of the superficial stroma for Optive® and Systane® ULTRA. Whereas Optive Fusion® displayed a comparable pathology only in three corneas.

Conclusions:

This study suggested a cumulative corneal toxicity of Optive® and to a lesser extent, Optive Fusion® most likely caused by its oxidative preservative, Purite®. The cumulative toxicity of Systane® ULTRA is not well understood although it's detergent-type preservative, polyquaternium-1 could induce toxicity based on the high application frequency in this study. Clinical data are needed to clarify the application frequency at which corneal toxicity might occur. FINANCIAL DISCLOUSRE: One or more of the authors research is funded, fully or partially, by a competing company