The effect of platelet-rich plasma and sodium alginate hydrogel on corneal wound healing after corneal alkali burns in rats with computer-assisted anterior segment optical coherence tomography image analysis

Highlights

The study evaluated healing effects of semisynthetic sodium alginate hydrogel alone and with PRP on corneal injuries in rats.
PRP and hydrogel together led to the greatest epithelial thickness and minimal necrosis, indicating improved healing.
Negative correlation found between tissue MMP-9 levels and corneal solidity, highlighting MMP-9’s role in corneal healing.
Hydrogel alone didn’t significantly improve wound healing, but with PRP, it accelerated epithelial closure and neovascularization.
New parameters for corneal wound healing assessment introduced via anterior segment optical coherence tomography processing.