The Change of Corneal Endothelial Permeability and Corneal Thickness after Topical Steroid Treatment

Park, Jun Sung; Bae, Sang Hwan; Kim, Ki San

Abstract

Changes of corneal endothelial permeability and corneal thickness after instillation of topical steroid was evaluated. In five rabbits, 0.1%dexamethasone eye solution was dropped into right eyes, and in another five rabbits, 1%prednisolone acetate eye solution was dropped into right eyes, and each left eyes were used as a control with dropping of Tears Naturale(r)II (Alcon-couvreur, Belgium). After dropping eyedrops for seven days, corneal endothelial permeability and corneal thickness were measured. Mean corneal thickness changed from 371.4 micrometer to 334.2 micrometer after dropping eyedrops in 0.1%dexamethasone group, and from 375.8 micrometer to 347.8 micrometer in control group where no statistical difference was noted between the two groups. Corneal endothelial permeability was 3.58x10(-4)cm/min in 0.1%dexamethasone group, and 3.54x10(-4) cm/min in control group(p>0.05). Mean corneal thickness changed from 347.4 micrometer to 323.8 micrometer after dropping eyedrops in 1% prednisolone acetate group, and from 342.4 micrometer to 335.6 micrometer in control group. There was also no statistical difference between the two groups. Corneal endothelial permeability was 4.08x10(-4)cm/min in 1%prednisolone acetate group, and 4.26x10(-4) cm/min in control group(p>0.05). In conclusion, topical application of 0.1%dexamethasone or 1%prednisolone acetate for a short period may have no effect on corneal endothelial permeability and thickness.