Effect of Aloe Vera on Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing

Abstract

AbstractCorneal epithelial lesions of 6 mm diameter were made mechanically in the eyes of anesthetized albino rabbits. At intervals of 6 or 24 h the lesions were photographed after the application of a 1% fluorescein solution. One eye received 50 μl drops of bicarbonate Ringer three times daily while the contralateral eye received aloe vera gel obtained directly from freshly cut leaves at the same time intervals as the Ringer. No overt toxicity was observed to either aloe gel or Ringer with both pairs of eyes showing normality without redness or chemosis. Although a statistically significant difference existed between the eyes at 30 h, no difference was observed at any other time and healing was complete at 48 h in Ringer and aloe-treated eyes. Despite anecdotal reports of enhanced ocular healing, this quantitative examination showed no effect of aloe on the healing rate of a mechanically induced corneal epithelial lesion.