To investigate the effect of combination of extremely low frequency pulsed magnetic field (ELF-PEMF) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) on alkaline-burnt cornea in rabbits.

Fifty alkaline-burned corneas from 50 rabbits were categorized into five groups: ELF-PEMF therapy with 2 mTesla intensity (ELF 2) for 30 minutes twice daily, LLLT for 30 minutes twice daily, Combined ELF2-PEMF and LLLT (ELF+LLLT) for 30 minutes twice daily, medical therapy (MT), and controls. Clinical examination together with digital photography of the corneas was performed on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. After euthanizing the rabbits, affected eyes were evaluated by histopathology. Finally clinical and histopathologic results were compared between groups.

No significant difference was noted in area of corneal defect between ELF, LLLT, and ELF+LLLT groups on days 2, 7, and 14. Excluding the controls, rate of significant corneal neovascularization was not statistically different between the groups. The keratocyte loss in MT was significantly higher than in the ELF, LLLT, and ELF+LLLT groups. Moderate to severe inflammation in the LLLT group was comparable with the MT and significantly less than other groups.

Combination of LLLT and ELF2 was not superior to ELF or LLLT alone in healing alkaline-burned corneas. However, given the lower intensity of corneal inflammation as well as lower rate of keratocytes loss with LLLT, it seems that LLLT may be superior to other proposed treatment modalities for alkaline-burnt corneal healing.