Hee-Kyoung Lee

Treatment of corneal chemical alkali burns with a crosslinked thiolated hyaluronic acid film

PURPOSE The study objective was to test the utilization of a crosslinked, thiolated hyaluronic acid (CMHA-S) film for treating corneal chemical burns. METHODS Burns 5.5mm in diameter were created on 10 anesthetized, male New Zealand white rabbits by placing a 1N NaOH soaked circular filter paper onto the cornea for 30s. Wounds were immediately rinsed with balanced salt solution (BSS). CMHA-S films were placed in the left inferior fornix of five injured and five uninjured animals. Five animals received no treatment. At 0h, 48h, 96h, and on day 14 post chemical burn creation, eyes were evaluated by white light imaging, fluorescein staining, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Corneal histology was performed using H&E and Massons Trichrome stains. RESULTS Image analysis indicated biocompatible CMHA-S treatment resulted in significant decreases in the areas of corneal opacity at 48h, 96h, and on day 14 postoperatively. A significant increase in re-epithelialization was seen 14days post injury. CMHA-S treated corneas showed significantly less edema than untreated burns. No pathological differences were observed in corneal histological samples as a result of CMHA-S treatment. CONCLUSIONS CMHA-S films facilitate re-epithelialization and decrease the area of corneal opacity in our corneal alkali burn rabbit model.

Ocular translational science: A review of development steps and paths

Abstract Developing successful drug delivery methods is challenging for any tissue, and the eye is no exception. Translating initial concepts into advanced technologies treating diseases in preclinical models and finally into functional and marketable products for humans can be particularly daunting. While referring to specific ophthalmic companies and products, this review considers key exchanges that lead to successful translation. By building on basic science discoveries in the academic setting, applied science can perform proof‐of‐concept work with simple, benchtop experiments. Eventually, simple models need to be translated to more robust ones where cells, tissues, and entire organisms are incorporated. Successful translation also includes performing due diligence of the intellectual property, understanding the market needs, undertaking clinical development, meeting regulatory requirements, and eventually scale up manufacturing. Different stages of the translation can occur in different environments, including moving from academia to industry, from one company to another, or between veterinary and human applications. The translation process may also rely on contract organizations to move through the complex landscape. While the path to a commercial, marketable product may not look the same each time, it is important to design a development plan with clear goals and milestones to keep on track. Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available.