Pathogenesis of Ulcers of the Alkali-Burned Cornea

Abstract

Intralamellar injections of small quantities of harvested collagenase from the ulcerated tissues of alkali-burned corneas produce full thickness ulcers in intact alkali-burned corneas. This is the final proof that the enzyme is responsible for the ulcers of the alkali-burned cornea. The enzyme is produced by the epithelium and cellular elements of the stroma. A scheme for the pathogenesis of the alkali-burned corneal ulcers is presented and is expanded to implicate the enzyme in many clinical destructive conditions.