Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical and Subconjunctival Diclofenac in the Improvement of Corneal Alkali Burn in Rabbits

Objective- To compare the effects of topical eye-drop and subconjunctival administration of diclofenac on improvement of experimental corneal alkali wound in rabbits eyes. Design- Experimental study. Animal- fifteen rabbits. Procedures- Alkali wounds were inflicted on the central corneas of 15 rabbits which were divided into three groups, A, B and C. A round 9 mm diameter paper filter that had been soaked in normal NAOH was positioned on all the rabbits’ right central cornea, to cause corneal wound. Group A and B were treated with Diclofenac eye-drop and subconjunctival injection of Diclofenac, respectively. And group C was indicated as a control group. After 21 days, all the right eyes were sent to laboratory for pathological analysis. Result- Comparison between groups showed that groups A, and B, had significantly lower (P<0.05) discharge days than the control group. Duration of blepharospasm in groups A and B were significantly shorter than the control group (P<0.05). Corneal vascularization revealed significant differences between groups. Pair wise comparison determined that group B had a significantly lower degree of corneal vascularization than the control group. Stromal inflammation was most prominent in group A and control group. Statistical analysis showed significantly less inflammation in group B than the control group (P<0.05) Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Corneal ulcer is one of the most important and common disease of the anterior segment of the eye. Many drugs have been used to prevent and treat corneal ulcer complication. According to our results, topical usage of Diclofenac is easier and more practical than subconjunctival injection.