The effect of topically applied 1% sodium hyaluronate on the healing of a standardized corneal alkali wound was evaluated. Central corneal alkali wound was produced in one eye of 60 albino rabbits by applying a 5.5mm round filta paper, soaked in
lN
NaOH, for 60 seconds. 1% sodium hyaluronate in the treatment group and PBS in the control group were initilled 4 times per day for 2 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks. Epithelial healing was assessed morphometrically from 1 week specimens. Stromal
healing
was
evaluated by measuring the ratio of PMN and keratocyte in the areas of the cental and marginal corneas. A positive healing influence was observed in the epithelium. The stromal PMN infilteration was suppressed, especially, in the central area, in
the 1%
sodium hyaluronate treated groups when compared with the control group.
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