Sodium hyaluronate decreases ocular surface toxicity induced by benzalkonium chloride-preserved latanoprost: an in vivo study.

METHODS. Twenty-one white rabbits (42 eyes) were randomly divided into three groups. The control group was untreated. The two experimental groups were treated with 0.02% BACcontaining latanoprost once a day combined with unpreserved 0.3% SH or PBS three times daily for 60 days. Schirmer test, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, and conjunctiva impression cytology were performed on days 0, 31, and 61. Apoptosis of conjunctival epithelium was detected by TUNEL assay on day 61. Conjunctival inflammation was evaluated with light microscopy. Cornea and conjunctiva ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopy.