In vivo effects of fluoroquinolones on rabbit corneas

Abstract

Purpose: The use of topical fluoroquinolones to treat microbial keratitis is associated with an increased incidence of comeal perforation compared to other standard treatments. This study examined the effects of topical fluoroquinolones on comeal collagen and keratocytes in intact rabbit corneas and corneas with an epithelial defect. Methods: Studies consisted of one group of intact corneas and one group of corneas where a 6-mm epithelial defect was created with a surgical scrape. Within each group, eyes were randomly assigned to one of four topical medications (0.3% ciprofloxacin, 0.3% ofloxacin), fortified antibiotics (1.36% tobramycin, 5% cefrazolin) or Tears Naturale (Alcon Laboratories,..