Hydrogen Solution Heals Chemical Eye Burns in Rabbit Study
- Authors
- Cestmir Cejka, Jan Kossl, Barbora Hermankova, Vladimir Holan, Jitka Cejkova
- Journal
- Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
- Year
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1155/2017/8906027
- Study Type
- Rabbit
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Czech Republic
- Health Condition
- Chemical Eye Burns
- Body System
- Ocular
TL;DR
Applying a solution with molecular hydrogen helps heal rabbit eyes damaged by a strong base, improving clarity and reducing swelling more effectively than a standard saline solution.
Key Finding
This study has been retracted and should not be relied upon; the findings cannot be considered verified.
Summary
This study tested whether hydrogen-enriched saline could help rabbit eyes recover from chemical burns caused by a strong alkaline substance (sodium hydroxide). Researchers applied the hydrogen solution or plain saline to injured corneas (the clear front part of the eye) and tracked healing over 20 days. The hydrogen-treated eyes regained clarity and normal fluid levels faster than control eyes, and showed lower levels of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules).
Practical Takeaway
Although this study reported positive results in rabbits, it has been formally retracted, meaning the scientific community has determined the work is unreliable. No conclusions about hydrogen water's effects on eye health or injury should be drawn from this research. Any interest in hydrogen for eye health would need to be supported by non-retracted, peer-reviewed human studies.
Abstract (excerpt)
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) on the healing of alkali‐injured cornea. The effects of the solution of H 2 in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone topically applied on the alkali‐injured rabbit cornea with 0.25 M NaOH were investigated using…