Experimental model of corneal haze in chickens.

PURPOSE To develop an experimental animal model of corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS Fifteen Iber Braun hens underwent unilateral PRK for -9.00 D of myopia. The animals were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, and light microscopy was performed. RESULTS Slit-lamp microscopy showed haze in the PRK-treated eyes. Histopathologic study disclosed epithelial hyperplasia, basement membrane abnormalities, and extensive anterior stromal disorganization. CONCLUSIONS An easy and inexpensive model of haze after PRK was developed in an animal with Bowman's layer. This new model could be useful to understand the pathophysiology and pharmacologic modulation of corneal haze.