Human Breast Milk Drops Promote Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing

Abstract

ABSTRACTPurpose: To investigate the effects of human breast milk on corneal epithelial wound healing.Methods: The effects of human breast milk on epithelial healing is compared with autologous serum and artificial tears on 24 female Bal-b/C mice. A central corneal epithelial defect was created using a 2 mm trephine. Four groups were formed. By a random pick-up, topical human breast milk 4 × 1 was given to Group 1, topical mouse autologous serum 4 × 1 was applied to Group 2, and preservative-free artificial tears 4 × 1 was applied to Group 3.Group 4 was evaluated as control. Biomicroscopical examination was performed on days 1, 2, and 3. Mice were sacrificed on the third day. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations were performed as well.Results: The fastest and best healing group was Group 1, followed by Group 2. Re-epithelization was not complete even at the end of the second day in groups 3 and 4.Conclusions: The rich content of human breast milk may be an alternative to epithelial healers and artificial tears.