Antioxidant activity of tear fluid in experimental alkali eye burns.

Antioxidant activity of the tear fluid in intact rabbits and after alkali burn of the cornea was evaluated by measuring chemiluminescence in a hemoglobin—hydrogen peroxide—luminol system. After alkali burn of the cornea antioxidant activity of tear fluid decreased starting from day 3 and reached its minimum on days 7–21. This decrease correlated with the depth of ulceration of the corneal stroma. This method allow to specify indications for antioxidant therapy in corneal disease and to choose the most effective antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]