Polyvinylpyrrolidone iodine: corneal toxicology and epithelial healing in a rabbit model.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) is a biocompatible broad spectrum antimicrobial that is widely used as an ophthalmic pre-operative prepping agent. In order to determine if PVP-I is safe for treating corneal ulcers and conjunctivitis, we evaluated the ocular toxicity of frequent dosing in a rabbit model. We evaluated ocular irritation in 18 rabbits according to the McDonald-Shadduck method. Concentrations of 0.5% PVP-I or less were practically non-irritating when administered six times per day. We evaluated corneal epithelial wound healing in 16 rabbits with standardized abrasions. Concentrations of 0.33% PVP-I showed epithelial healing comparable to gentamicin treated eyes and untreated controls. Concentrations of 0.5% PVP-I delayed epithelial healing by one day. Because of its broad spectrum and apparently low toxicity, PVP-I may be a useful treatment for corneal ulcers, keratitis and conjunctivitis.
York
K K
KK
Department of Ophthalmology, California College of Medicine, University of California, Irvine.
Miller
S
S
Gaster
R N
RN
Burstein
N L
NL
D000818:Animals; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000187:drug effects; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011205:Povidone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000633:toxicity*; D011817:Rabbits; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D005839:Gentamicins; D011206:Povidone-Iodine; D011205:Povidone