Human Breast Milk Drops Promote Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effects of human breast milk on corneal epithelial wound healing.

Methods: The effects of human breast milk on epithelial healing is compared with autologous serum and artificial tears on 24 female Bal-b/C mice. A central corneal epithelial defect was created using a 2 mm trephine. Four groups were formed. By a random pick-up, topical human breast milk 4 x 1 was given to Group 1, topical mouse autologous serum 4 x 1 was applied to Group 2, and preservative-free artificial tears 4 x 1 was applied to Group 3.Group 4 was evaluated as control. Biomicroscopical examination was performed on days 1, 2, and 3. Mice were sacrificed on the third day. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations were performed as well.

Results: The fastest and best healing group was Group 1, followed by Group 2. Re-epithelization was not complete even at the end of the second day in groups 3 and 4.

Conclusions: The rich content of human breast milk may be an alternative to epithelial healers and artificial tears.