Effect of topical anti-transforming growth factor-β on corneal stromal haze after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between anti-transforming growth factor-beta (anti-TGF-beta) antibodies and the amount of corneal stromal haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. METHODS: Nineteen rabbits had bilateral PRK. Dichlorotriazinyl fluorescein was used to stain the exposed stroma; all rabbits were then treated with antibiotic ointment for 4 days. Ten rabbits were randomized to treatment with topical anti-TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3 antibody 50 microg three times a day for 4 days; the others received diluent three times a day for 4 days. Stromal haze was graded weekly for 8 weeks on a 0 to 4+ scale. At the end of the study, all corneas were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: All treated eyes developed appreciable haze. Seven control rabbits and one antibody-treated rabbit had an epithelial erosion (P = .00001). Antibody-treated rabbits had significantly less haze at 3, 4, and 5 weeks (right eyes) and 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 weeks (left eyes) (P < .05). Histopathology and fluorescence microscopy showed subepithelial collagen deposition consistent with clinical haze. CONCLUSIONS: Topical anti-TGF-beta antibody reduced stromal haze after PRK in the rabbit model and may be clinically beneficial in humans.