PURPOSE: To determine the activity of subconjunctival injection of autogenous serum in the treatment of ocular alkali burn induced experimentally in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 New Zeland albino rabbits were divided into two groups of 15 and submitted to ocular alkali burn. One group (treated group) received immediately after the alkali burn a subconjunctival injection of autogenous serum. The results were compared and recorded immediately after the alkali burn and on days 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 by external ocular examination and manual portable slit lamp. RESULTS: The treated group presented a better reepithelialization of the cornea than the control group, in the beginning of the process, with a statistically significant difference; and a final result with less complications, in the study group. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this experimental study suggest that the autogenous serum may have a primary effect on the process of scarring of the eyes after ocular alkali burn, decreasing late complications and improving the prognosis related to the stability of the inflammatory scarring process.
Cornea; Alkalies; Eye burns; Injections; Ophthalmic solutions; Wound healing; Microscopy; electron; Rabbits
