The Changes in the Corneal Epithelial Barrier by Benzalkonium Chloride and Commonly used Eyedrops

Lee, Jong Hwa; Kim, Ki San

Abstract

To evaluate the corneal epithelial barrier after exposure to Benzalkonium chloride(BAC) or commonly used eyedrops, we measured corneal uptake of 5, 6-carboxyfluorescein(CF) applied to the corneal epithelium of the albino rabbits(70 eyes). Four BAC solutions (0.001 %, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1 %), ofloxacin solutions (Tarivid(R), Octacin(R), Ofloxacin(R)), fluorometholone solutions(Fumelon(R), Fluorometholone(R)), artificial tear solutions (Tears Naturale(R), Tears Naturale II(R), Tears naturale Free(R)) were evaluated. Balanced salt solution was used in control group. As the concentration of BAC increased, corneal epithelial permeability increased. In Octacin(R) group, corneal epithelial permeability increased about 5 times more than in Tarivid(R) and Ofloxacin(R) groups (p<0.01). Fluorometholone(R) group showed less increased permeability than in Fumelon group, but there was no statistical difference between them(p>0.05). Tears Naturale(R) showed the highest permeability among artificial tear solutions and there were no statistical differences between Tears Naturale II(R), Tears Naturale Free(R) and control group(p>0.1). This study showed that the higher concentration of BAC, the more damages to the barrier function of the corneal epithelium, and that clincally used eyedrops containing BAC made destructive influences on the corneal epithelial integrity.