[Cryotherapeutic possibilities in the treatment of corneal burns with acid in an animal experiment. I. The length of time required for reepithelialization and clearing of corneal clouding].

The aim of the work was to assess in animal experiments whether it is possible to achieve by a cryostimulation regime a therapeutic effect in standardized corrosion with sulphuric acid. To this end both eyes of 50 experimental animals (bastard rabbits) were corroded with sulphuric acid concentrations of 1.2%-6.0%. On the right eyes of the experimental animals after 4-6 hours following corrosion cryotherapy, using the method of contact freezing, was applied. The authors investigated two cryostimulation regimes: working temperature -70 degrees C, 10 points for 7 seconds on the borderline of the corroded area of the cornea, and working temperature of -160 degrees C, 10 points and four seconds on the limbus of the cornea. As criterium of the therapeutic effect they used the period of reepithelization of the corneal defect and clearing of the corneal turbidity to complete transparency. Statistically significant shortening of the investigated parameters--reepithelization and clearing of the cornea--was observed at the working temperature of -70 degrees C and by using the points at the borderline of the corroded area for cryoapplication.