Hydrogen-Rich Water and Corneal Inflammation in Rats
Prophylactic Instillation of Hydrogen-Rich Water Decreases Corneal Inflammation and Promotes Wound Healing by Activating Antioxidant Activity in a Rat Alkali Burn Model
Research hubs: Eyes & Vision System · Skin & Dermatology System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (rat)
- Authors
- Momoko Kasamatsu, Takeshi Arima, Toyo Ikebukuro, Yuji Nakano, Yutaro Tobita, Masaaki Uchiyama, Akira Shimizu, Hiroshi Takahashi
- Journal
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences
- Year
- 2022
- PMID
- 36077171
- Study Type
- Rat
- Delivery
- Water (Dissolved)
- Dose
- Hydrogen-rich water instilled continuously to cornea for 5 minutes
- Duration
- 1 day or less
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 12 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Washing the eye with hydrogen-rich water before an injury can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in rat eyes.
Key Finding
Prophylactic (preventive) hydrogen-rich water instillation reduced corneal injury size and inflammatory cell infiltration in rats exposed to alkali burns, with effects linked to increased antioxidant enzyme expression.
Summary
Researchers tested whether hydrogen-rich water applied to rat eyes before a chemical burn could prevent damage. They found that rats treated with hydrogen-rich water beforehand had smaller corneal injuries (the clear front part of the eye) and less inflammation compared to untreated rats. The hydrogen appeared to work by boosting the eye's natural antioxidant defenses (molecules that protect cells from damage).
Practical Takeaway
This rat study suggests hydrogen-rich water may have preventive benefits for eye injuries, not just treatment after damage occurs. However, this is early animal research only—human studies would be needed to determine if these findings apply to people, and the practical application of pre-treating eyes with hydrogen water before potential chemical exposure remains unclear.
Abstract (excerpt)
Many studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of hydrogen in pathological conditions such as inflammation; however, little is known about its prophylactic effects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prophylactic effects of hydrogen-rich water instillation in a rat corneal…