Purpose: To compare the effect on corneal endothelial cells among intracameral moxifloxacin, levofloxacin and cefazoline in rabbits.
Methods: Thirty-six eyes from eighteen rabbits were divided into four groups. The control solution (balanced salt solution), cefazolin 1000 microg/0.1 mL, levofloxain 500 microg/0.1 mL or moxifloxacin 500 microg/0.1 mL was injected into the anterior chamber of the rabbit eye. The central corneal thickness was assessed before the injection of intracameral antibiotics. Endothelial toxicity was evaluated according to the central corneal thickness, specular microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy 1 day after injection.
Results: Before the injection, the central corneal thickness was not different among four groups. After injection, there was no significant difference of the corneal thickness and endothelial cell count between the control and study groups. The central corneal thickness after injection of antibiotics did not significantly change when compared with control. Scanning electron microscopy showed normal hexagonality. Normal architecture of the endothelial cells was noted in transmission electron microscopy in all four groups.
Conclusions: Intracameral injection of antibiotics (cefazolin 1000 microg/0.1 mL, levofloxain 500 microg/0.1 mL, moxifloxacin 500 microg/0.1 mL) did not show significant toxicity on the endothelial cells compared with the control group. Intracameral injection of one of these antibiotics appears to be safe for surgical prophylaxis.