Purpose: We investigated the effects of various rinsing and healing protocols on corneal wound repair and inflammation following alkali burn in rabbits. Methods: We conducted in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies. First, different rinse solutions were tested in vitro after incubation of ocular cells with methanol or NaOH. Cell viability was then assessed using the neutral red test (cytofluorometry). Second, NaOH was applied to rabbit corneas and associations of rinse solutions (NaCl 0.9% or controlled ionization marine solutions) with N-acetylcysteine or vegetable oils (from Calophyllum inophyllum and Aleurites moluccana) were tested in vivo. The regeneration of the corneal epithelium and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were evaluated using in vivo confocal microscopy and ex vivo histological cuts. Results: The association of a controlled ionization marine solution with 10% C. inophyllum oil and 90% A. moluccana oil induced regeneration of the corneal epithelium and a decrease in inflammatory cells. Conclusions: Irrigation with marine solution followed by treatment with a mixture of C. inophyllum and A. moluccana oils is a promising treatment for ocular burns.

Keywords:
Alkali burn, Aleurites moluccana oil, Calophyllum inophyllum oil, Marine solution, Vegetable oils
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