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Masked controlled rabbit studies were done to determine the toxic effects on corneal wound healing of the antiviral ointments 0.5% idoxuridine, 3% Ara A, and 3% acyclovir, and the antiviral drops 0.1% idoxuridine, 3% Ara AMP, and 1% trifluridine. Ara A, acyclovir, trifluridine and idoxuridine drops had no significant effects on the rate of closure of epithelial wounds. Idoxuridine ointment given 5 times a day significantly retarded the rate of epithelial wound closure, but not when given 4 times a day. Only Ara AMP caused a retardation of epithelial healing and an actual increase in the defect after 4 days of treatment. Histopathologically all drugs, except acyclovir, showed a toxic effect on the regenerating epithelium. All drugs, except acyclovir, showed retarded stromal wound healing with reduced bursting strength and collagen content. Ara AMP had increased bursting strength and collagen content possibly because of greater inflammation. Acyclovir, in comparison to all the other medications studied, appeared to have minimal to no toxic effects on experimental epithelial and stromal wound healing, and on this basis is the agent of choice for use in herpes simplex stromal keratitis with ulceration and as a prophylactic agent for long-term use after penetrating keratoplasty.

Comparative evaluation of the corneal endothelium with the Heyer-Schulte specular photomicroscope, the McIntyre CEB reticle affixed to a slitlamp, and a slitlamp alone found the reticle-slitlamp combination to give results within a 10% average of endothelial cell counts determined with the specular microscope. The reticle also compared favorably in time and cost savings. All three methods of corneal evaluation were effective for observation of polymegathism. Because of its lower magnification, the slitlamp without the reticle was best suited for evaluation of cornea guttata.