Topical sevoflurane ocular toxicity: in vivo study

Abstract

AbstractPurpose: To determine sevoflurane (SF) ocular toxicity in an animal model and compare the results with the changes induced by common ocular substances: Povidone Iodine 5% (PI) and salt solution (SS).Methods: Twelve rats (24 eyes) and 3 rabbits (6 eyes) where included. Eyes were randomized, receiving a single 0,1 ml dose of SF, PI or SS. After instillation, eyes were evaluated using Draize test at different time frames. A histopathological (HP) study was also performed.Results: Keratitis was the only finding identified in the animals. In rats, it was observed in 16/24 eyes (8 in SS, 4 in SF and 4 in PI group). Only the keratitis observed after SS and PI instillation showed statistically significant differences, with a higher incidence in PI group (p = 0.012). Similar results were observed in rabbits: keratitis was present in 5/6 eyes (3 in SF and 2 in BSS group), but no significant differences were observed in any group at any time of study. The risk ratio (=1) did not show a higher risk of keratitis with any substance. In HP study, only mild inflammatory changes were observed.Conclusions: Topical administration of SF has shown to be safe for the eye surface of animal model.ReferencesRecent findings suggest sevoflurane role as an analgesic, antiseptic and wound‐healing agent. Nevertheless, previous to study these effects on the eye, it is necessary to perform and toxicological test. This is the first study performed in vivo to evaluate sevoflurane ocular toxicity.