Corneal ulceration remains a serious clinical condition. When this occurs with progressive corneal stromal dissolution, there are real risks of permanent sight loss. As ophthalmologists, we have called this destructive process ‘corneal melting'.1 Corneal melting is a common prelude to the development of corneal perforation. This process occurs from conditions such as infections, sterile inflammation, or surgical/chemical injury to the cornea.1, 2, 3 Collectively, these conditions are a significant cause for blindness world-wide.4, 5 From a clinician's standpoint, the immediate concern is how to prevent loss of ocular integrity? Although a variety of surgical and medical therapies are recommended, the clinical effectiveness of these approaches are generally either weak or too slow acting to prevent ocular perforation.1 Over the years, several studies have examined the mechanisms of disease. Such studies show the progression of corneal melting to be influenced by the elaboration of excessive tissue degradative proteases.6, 7 One group of these proteases are the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). MMPs are regularly shown to have a role both in infectious and noninfectious causes of corneal tissue destruction.6, 7, 8 From animal and laboratory studies, a variety of agents or surgical approaches are proposed as potential inhibitors of MMPs. Some of these have been used in human patients. Agents such as EDTA, acetylcysteine, ascorbate, and tetracyclines have all been tried with varying success.1 For example, when melting occurs after chemical burns, use of topical ascorbate 10% eye drops can help to prevent ulceration and promote healing.9 Use of amniotic membrane as a surgical bandage can also help in non-healing corneal ulcers.1 Anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids can be used, but their use is controversial as they can create problems of uncontrolled tissue destruction and impaired wound repair. Some agents, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can worsen the melting process.10 Despite the variable effects of these therapies, animal models of corneal alkali injury and bacterial infection have helped to show potential pathways for therapeutic inhibition. For example, controlling the release of inflammatory mediators and activation of neutrophils appear to have a prominent part in tissue damage.12 Resident corneal cells such as keratocytes and infiltrating macrophages are also capable of releasing active MMPs, as well as drive the melting process by the release of proinflammatory cytokines.11, 12, 13 More recently, animal studies show blockage of growth factors such vasoactive intestinal peptide can be a potent approach to prevent corneal perforation.14 In this issue, Ramaesh et al15 have revisited the molecular basis of traditional agents by conducting a laboratory-based study using human corneal epithelial explant material. They can measure the effect of acetylcysteine to control the MMP-9 production. Although this study may be limited in its form by being a tissue culture in vitro analysis of MMP activity, the effect of acetylcysteine on MMP-9 production does give a basis for its clinical use. Acetylcysteine is frequently used in patients with filamentary keratitis and in melting ulcers.1 However, despite this understanding from the laboratory, therapies like acetylcysteine remain at best weak therapeutic agents.1, 16 To improve the translation of basic science into more clinically effective therapies, we need to improve our knowledge on the mechanisms that play out in human disease. Currently, from the molecular front, we only have a scanty picture on how clinically relevant molecular mechanisms work in the human condition. The relative contribution of immune cells (such as macrophages or neutrophils) and the relative influence of other cells such as corneal fibroblasts remain to be quantified? Improved human-based models of tissue damage should be developed to enhance our understanding. We need to know what contribution external factors such as toxins from microorganisms or the effects from chemicals have on corneal stromal dissolution? In addition, we need to advance our understanding of the apoptotic processes that influence the survival and death of corneal structural cells.17 By improving our understanding of the clinically significant molecular and cellular mechanisms that are involved in the human disease, we are more likely to find successful therapies. Perhaps one day we will be truly able to ‘freeze' the melting cornea.
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Open Access
Sep 2, 2014
Rajat Jain 
