Abstract
BackgroundWe evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits.MethodsTwenty-three white rabbits were divided into four groups; these were a control group and three study groups in which the ocular surface was exposed to PI for different times. In control group, one drop of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied once for 10 min. In study groups, one drop of 5% (w/v) PI was topically applied once for 1 min, 3 min, and 10 min, and then the animals were observed for 7 days. The Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining and conjunctival impression cytology were performed on day 0, 3, and 7. After 7 days, the rabbits were sacrificed and conjunctiva and cornea were collected and evaluated by light and electron microscope. Immunofluorescence staining was also performed to detect mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC).ResultsThe decrease in goblet cell density, reductions in MUC5AC level and histopathological and ultrastructural changes of conjunctiva and cornea were more prominent in the 5% (w/v) PI groups than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, these changes were more prominent when PI was applied for 3 and 10 min rather than 1 min (both p values < 0.05).Conclusions5% (w/v) povidone-iodine caused damages to the ocular surface in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we should be aware of that excessive PI exposure during ophthalmic procedures could be a pathogenic factor of dry eye syndrome after surgery.
Highlights
We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits
We evaluated the effects of 5% (w/v) PI applied for various exposure times, after single instillation onto the ocular surface of normal rabbits, by performing the Schirmer test, Rose Bengal staining, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival impression cytology and biopsy
mucin 5 subtype AC (MUC5AC) staining was performed, and Hoechst 33342 was used for nuclear counterstaining. e Many control group cells were detected in the anti-MUC5AC antibody conjunctiva stain. f Many cells stained in the 1-min PI group. g The number of goblet cells stained by the anti-MUC5AC antibody decreased in the 3-min PI group. f No MUC5AC-positive cells are observed in the 10-min PI group. (Bar: 20 μm) the PI exposure time increased the Schirmer test results were not different among the four groups
Summary
We evaluated the toxicity of 5% (w/v) povidone-iodine (PI) applied to the ocular surface of rabbits. Many factors may affect the ocular surface environment after cataract surgery and many patients have complained of dry eye and symptoms of irritations postoperatively. Previous studies have shown that application of 5% (w/v) PI to the cornea and conjunctiva effectively decreased the bacterial load of the ocular surface and the adnexae, and theoretically reduced the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis [9,10,11,12]. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of 5% (w/v) PI on the corneal and conjunctival surfaces of rabbit eyes, and ocular surface changes were compared based on PI exposure time. 5% (w/v) PI has been known to be toxic to the cornea, it has been proven effective to reduce bacteria on the ocular surface and widely used for preoperative preparation. We decided to do this experiment with 5% (w/v) PI
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
