The effect of topical Ankaferd use on the recovery of wound healing in experimentally formed corneal perforations
International Ophthalmology, vol.46, no.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 46 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s10792-026-04136-1
- Journal Name: International Ophthalmology
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: Ankaferd blood stopper, Corneal perforation, Stromal fibrosis, Tissue adhesives, Wound healing
- Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the clinical and histopathological outcomes of topical Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) combined with autologous blood versus N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in the management of experimentally induced corneal perforations with tissue loss. Methods: Thirty-four eyes of 29 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups: ABS combined with autologous blood (n = 10), autologous blood alone (n = 9), NBCA (n = 10), and untreated controls (n = 5). A standardized 1-mm full-thickness central corneal perforation was created using a biopsy punch to simulate tissue loss. Clinical examinations were performed on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21 to assess wound leakage, anterior chamber depth, corneal edema, and inflammation. On day 21, corneal transparency and histopathological findings (stromal fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration) were evaluated. Results: During the first postoperative week, the ABS group showed significantly less wound leakage and anterior chamber shallowing compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Adhesive dislodgement requiring reapplication was significantly more frequent in the NBCA group (p = 0.012). At the end of the follow-up (day 21), the ABS group demonstrated significantly better corneal transparency (p = 0.027). Histopathologically, stromal fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in the ABS-treated eyes (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Topical ABS combined with autologous blood provides better clinical stability and more favorable biological healing than NBCA. These findings suggest that ABS may serve as a biologically advantageous alternative for the temporary management of corneal perforations.