Effect of intraocular epinephrine on the cornea of rabbits

ABSTRACT

Fifty eyes of 25 albino rabbits were included in this study. Intracameral injection of 0.25 ml of epinephrine with different concentrations had been done. Two eyes were used as control, the other 48 eyes were classified into 3 groups according to the concentration of epinephrine, 1/5000, 1/10000 and 1/20000. Specular microscopy and histopathological examination had been done immediately, one week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after injection. Manifest changes were found with concentration of 1/5000 in the form of loss of hexagonal pattern, widening of the intercellular spaces and appearance of cell free areas, light microscopic examination revealed vaculated endothelial cells with swollen nuclei. Decrease in the thickness of the Descemet's membrane and stromal edema. These changes were less with 1/10000 concentration and were undetectable with 1/20000 concentration