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AbstractDO.02.08 Stimulation of Langerhans cells in corneal epithelium and dry eye symptoms after Benzalconium chloride: double-blind clinical study Zhivov A.1, Kraak R.1, Bergter H.1, Kundt G.2, Beck R.1, Guthoff R. F.1
1Universitäts-Augenklinik, 2Institut für medizinische Informatik und Biometrie, Universität Rostock Objective: to show the possible impact of the local therapy with preservatives on Langerhans cells (LC) in corneal epithelium in healthy volunteers. Probable dry eye development will be evaluated simultaneously.
Methods: 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the double-blind study: one eye was dropped with 0.01% Benzalconium chloride (BAC) solution, the fellow one with a placebo. Evaluation of distribution and density of LC in the central and peripheral corneal epithelium as well pachymetry was performed with in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy. Development of dry eye (complaints of the patient, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, break up time (BUT), Schirmers test) was controlled. The volunteers were investigated before the therapy, followed up in 1, 6 and 12 weeks during the medication as well 4 weeks after its termination.
Results: In vivo confocal microscopy revealed significant increase of LC density in BAC-group in 6 weeks in central cornea (p=0,03) and in 12 weeks in central (p=0,01) and peripheral cornea (p=0,04). LC density was significantly decreased after the termination of the therapy in both zones. The increase of LC density was significant faster in center as in the periphery (p=0,02 in 12 weeks). The Placebo-group showed no changes of LC density in both zones during the whole study. BAC-group demonstrated no signs of the developing of dry eye (non significant reduction of Schirmers test as well as increase of lid-parallel conjunctival folds by unchanged BUT and constant epithelial thickness). Corneal sensation and intraocular pressures were identical in both groups.
Conclusions: The evidence of immune stimulation of the cornea under the BAC-holding therapy proves the necessity of preservative-free medication especially in patients with ocular inflammatory diseases, glaucoma or after corneal grafting. The BAC 0,01% does not induce dry eye changes in healthy volunteers after 12 weeks of the application.
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