A fibrin-related line of research and theoretical possibilities for the use of fibrin glue as a temporary basal membrane in non-perforated corneal ulcers and in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)-operated corneas.

PURPOSE To report a specific line of research developed at the University of São Paulo/Brazil on fibrin glue used for sealing corneal perforations and the perspectives of use on non-perforated corneal ulcers and photorefractive keratectomy-operated corneas. METHODS To describe fibrin glue manufacture, development of a device to test the glued perforated corneal area resistance, subsequent experimental investigations of the use of the fibrin glue in corneal perforations, reporting its efficacy, mechanical resistance experiments and histological study. Finally, the medical literature basis is searched to propose studies on the use of fibrin as a temporary basal membrane on non-perforated corneal surfaces like non-infectious corneal ulcers and on post-photorefractive keratectomy corneal surfaces. RESULTS The development of fibrin glue, the device for resistance experiments, the efficacy, resistance and histological studies on fibrin glue used for sealing corneal perforations are reported as well as the scientific literature basis for the proposed studies on the use of fibrin as a temporary basal membrane on non-perforated corneas like non-perforated corneal ulcers and photorefractive keratectomy corneal surfaces. CONCLUSION A specific line of research was reported on fibrin glue to seal corneal perforations at the University of São Paulo/Brazil and the theoretical perspectives for the use of fibrin in non-perforated corneal ulcers and on photorefractive keratectomy-operated corneas in an attempt to reduce corneal haze.