AIM: To evaluate the clinical effect of vitamin A palmitate eye gel on early ocular surface reconstruction after thermal or chemical injuries.

METHODS: Seventy-eight cases with thermal or chemical injuries to eyes were selected and divided into two groups by randomized, double-blind, positive drug parallel controlled method: group A(40 cases were treated with vitamin A palmitate eye gel)and group B \〖38 cases were treated with basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)\〗. The bFGF and vitamin A palmitate eye gel were used 4 times a day. The treatment course was 14d. Restoration of epithelial defect, Schirmer's test values, tear break-up time(BUT), and subjective assessment of symptoms and signs were observed on D1, D3, D5, D7, D10 and D14.

RESULTS: In group A, 31 cases were cured, 5 cases were effective, with the cure rate of 76% and efficiency 90%. In group B, 32 cases were cured, 3 cases were effective, with the cure rate of 84% and efficiency 92%. There were no significant differences between the two groups(P>0.05). However, there were significant differences on the results of Schirmer's test and BUT(P<0.05), those in group A were expanded compared with group B. Symptoms of dry eye, astringent and foreign body sensation of group A were significantly better than those of group B, there were significant differences(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Vitamin A palmitate eye gel is valuable and safe on early ocular surface reconstruction of the eyes suffered from thermal or chemical injuries.