AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect of 200g/L protein-free calf blood extract eye gel for corneal epithelial defect.

METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight cases of corneal epithelial defect(58 cases with herpes simplex keratitis; 24 cases with chemical injury; 85 cases with pterygium operation injury)were randomly divided into two groups: 84 eyes were treated with protein-free calf blood extract eye gel; 84 cases were treated with basic fibroblast growth factor eye gel(bFGF). The bFGF and protein-free calf blood extract eye gels were used 4 times a day. The treatment course was 7d. Epithelial defect restoration, local symptom and sign were observed.

RESULTS: The difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment was significant(P<0.01)in the two groups. The effect of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel(83.3%)group was prior to that of bFGF(69%)for corneal epithelial defect. The effective rate of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel in the herpes simplex keratitis, chemical injury and pterygium operation injury was 72.4%,69.2% and 95.2%. Localized stimulus and adverse reaction of all over the body were not been observed.

CONCLUSION: Protein-free calf blood extract eye gels is valuable and safe for corneal epithelial defect.