Investigation of the effectiveness of dehydrated corneal collagen barriers (vet shield oasis) on corneal wounds: Experimental rabbit model

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of corneal collagen barrier in the healing of corneal wounds in rabbits. The material consisted of 20 adult New Zealand White Rabbits weighing 2-3 kg. The rabbits were randomly assigned as FTS (control, 6 rabbits) SA (ciprofloxacin and acetylcysteine, 7 rabbits) and KB (collagen barrier, 7 rabbits) groups. Pre-trial clinical and ophthalmologic examinations were performed in rabbits. Central thickness of the cornea was measured by ultrasonographic pachymeter. The mean corneal thickness was FTS: 413,36±14,94.(mean±standard error).µm, SA:.375,14±10,58.µm and KB:.382,21±14,06.µm. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups. In 40 eyes of 20 rabbits, a 6 mm diameter superficial lesion was created in the center of the cornea using punch biopsy, corneal knife and Alger brush. Central corneal thickness was measured postoperatively (FTS:.424,18±27,66.µm, SA:.388,71±14,46 µm and KB:.368,50±12,8). When the measurements were evaluated, no significant difference was observed between the groups. Corneal thickness increased in all groups compared to the first postoperative measurement at 72nd hours. No significant difference was observed between the groups at the 96 hour. The difference between SA (p <0,01) and KB (p <0,001) groups at different times was found to be significant. Immediately after the defect was created, the defect areas were 32,129±1,58 mm2 in the FTS group; 31,41±1,33 mm2 in.the SA group and 29,01±0,92.mm2 in.the KB group. 72. hour values, ıt was measured as.in.the FTS group; 16,87±2,25;.6,57±1,63 mm2 in the SA group; 1,87±0,66 mm2 in the KB group. It was determined as 2,17±0,46 mm2 in the FTS group, 1,97±0,48 mm2 in the SA group and 0,42±0,18 mm2 in the KB group at 96 hours. The improvement level in the KB group was found to be better than the other groups (p<0,001). In conclusion, it is considered that collagen barriers are important in the treatment of corneal wounds because of their structure does not interfere with epithelial migration, keep the cornea moist, support healing and better wound healing in the KB group compared to other groups.