The effect of tranilast on subepithelial corneal opacity after excimer laser keratectomy

Recent studies have reported that tranilast inhibited in vitro the proliferation of keratocytes from corneal subepithelial opacities (haze) and collagen synthesis in cultured corneas after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In this study 0.5% tranilast eye drops, 0.1% betametazone phosphate eyedrops, and a 0.5% tranilast base solution (control) were administered four times daily to rabbits which had undergone PRK. Weekly evaluation of the inhibitory effect of these drugs on haze began two weeks after surgery according to Fantes' classification. 0.5% tranilast suppressed haze from six weeks to thirteen weeks after PRK (p < 0.05). 0.1% betametazone phosphate showed no effect. These results suggested that 0.5% tranilast had a satisfactory therapeutic effect on haze after PRK.