Depth Effect of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma in Keratitis Therapy: A Corneal Stroma Tissue Model

Abstract

The incidence of microbial keratitis has been increasing and is now 28 cases/100,000 inhabitants; this may be due to the more frequent use of contact lenses. Keratitis can lead to visual impairment and in severe cases with endophthalmitis to enucleation of the affected eye. As microorganisms are becoming more resistant to antibiotic therapy, there is a need for new therapeutic strategies. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has already been successfully used to disinfect surfaces. This study investigates the efficacy of cold atmospheric pressure plasma against Escherichia coli in a depth-resolved corneal stroma tissue model.