Experimental model of corneal haze in chickens.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an experimental animal model of corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
Fifteen Iber Braun hens underwent unilateral PRK for -9.00 D of myopia. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, and light microscopy was performed.


RESULTS
Slit-lamp microscopy showed haze in the PRK-treated eyes. Histopathologic study disclosed epithelial hyperplasia, basement membrane abnormalities, and extensive anterior stromal disorganization.


CONCLUSIONS
An easy and inexpensive model of haze after PRK was developed in an animal with Bowman's layer. This new model could be useful to understand the pathophysiology and pharmacologic modulation of corneal haze.
Merayo-Lloves
J
J
Institute of Ophthalmobiology-IOBA, University of Valladolid, Spain. jmerayo@compuserve.com
Yáñez
B
B
Mayo
A
A
Martín
R
R
Pastor
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D002645:Chickens; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006965:Hyperplasia; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014945:Wound Healing