Abstract

FR.23.12

Stimulation of Langerhans cells in corneal epithelium and dry eye by preservatives holding local therapy

Zhivov A. 
University Eye Clinic Rostock

Preservatives are known as essential component of the eye drops keeping it free from bacterial contamination. Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is the most often used preservative in the local antiglaucoma therapy. The possible side effects of BAC in antiglaucomatous eye drops are development or worsening of dry eye symptoms, tendency to conjunctival or trabecular inflammation as well as healing problems by epithelium damage. By all these side effects was noted an increase of MHC II antigen presenting cells (Langerhans cells). This novel information could be evaluated with in-house developed Rostock Cornea Module in combination with Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II. The aim of the project is to show the possible impact of the local therapy with preservatives in healthy volunteers on immunostimulation of cornea through increase of Langerhans cell density. Simultaneously a possible association of LZ-Density increase and dry eye will be evaluated. The evidence of increase of LZ-Density could be useful in assessment of preservatives induced allergic side effects, providing insight into human eye immunology.

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