The effect of autologous serum eye drops on the conjunctivalization over exposed porous polyethylene orbital implant (Medpor(®)) in the rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of autologous serum eye drops (AS) in enhancing conjunctivalization over a scleral patch graft on exposed porous polyethylene orbital implant (Medpor(®)).

METHODS

Eighteen rabbits were underwent evisceration, implantation of Medpor(®) and homologous scleral patch graft. The conjunctival edge was sutured leaving 5 mm-diameter circular defect. In group A, 20% AS were applied 8 times a day and only balanced salt solution was applied in group B. Digital anterior segment photography was obtained 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after surgery and analyzed with Image Pro Plus(®) software.

RESULTS

In the early postoperative period, the average conjunctival growth rate (mm(2)/day) was faster in group A, but failed to show statistical significance (3.79 vs. 3.03, p = 0.26 in 1~3days, 2.39 vs. 1.80, p = 0.59 in 4- days, 0.03 vs. -0.02, p = 0.94 in 7-10 days, Mann-Whitney test). The complete healing rate was higher (67% vs. 56%, p = 0.5, Fisher's exact test) and the mean elapsed time for complete healing (days) was shorter in group A (17.3 vs. 18.2, p  = 0.83, Mann-Whitney test), but did not show a statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSION

In a rabbit model, 20% AS did not appear to facilitate the healing of small conjunctival defects of exposed porous orbital implant.