Solid hyaluronic acid film and the prevention of postoperative fibrous scar formation in experimental animal eyes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of solid hyaluronic acid-carboxymethyl cellulose film (hyaluronic acid film) on the formation of postoperative wound adhesion on rabbit eyes.

Methods: We first created a conjunctival flap under which hyaluronic acid film was inserted. Then, we performed trabeculectomy on other rabbit eyes with hyaluronic acid film applied under and above the scleral flaps. Expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were histologically and immunohistochemically examined.

Results: Hyaluronic acid film significantly prevented adhesions after both kinds of surgery. Particularly, subconjunctival scar formation was significantly inhibited when the film was simply inserted under the wound. Furthermore, the adhesion around the scleral flap of trabeculectomy was less formed in eyes treated with hyaluronic acid film than in control eyes. Immunoreactivity to proliferative cell nuclear antigen almost disappeared after 28 days postoperatively in both treated and control groups. The alpha-SMA-positive cells appeared much less around the film-treated wound than the control eye.

Conclusion: The present results indicate that hyaluronic acid film can inhibit the formation of postoperative adhesion around the conjunctiva and sclera.

Clinical relevance: The results of this study indicate that this substance has potential benefits for improving ophthalmic surgery, such as filtering surgery for glaucoma.