OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of phospholipid microemulsion on the corneal re-epithelialization.
METHODS: An 8-mm central epithelium erosion was mechanically induced in rabbit cornea and re-epithelization was assessed after 3, 5 and 7 days, by slit lamp microscope and fluorescein staining. The histological examination was carried out after 7 days.
TREATMENT: Each rabbit was treated with the microemulsion 3 times daily in the right eye, and with a moisturizing solution containing hydroxyethylcellulose 3 times daily in the left eye.
RESULT: Eyes treated with LIPITEARTM showed a better re-epithelization process in term of the rapidity and quality of the newly-formed corneal epithelium