What is the primary mechanism of action of anti-proteinases in corneal healing?

• A. Speed healing and reduce scarring
• B. Inhibits tear production
• C. Causes corneal edema
• D. Induces neovascularization

Answer: (A)

Anti-proteinases protect the healing cornea by blocking enzymes that break down the extracellular matrix. After an injury, proteases can degrade stromal collagen and other matrix components, which can lead to tissue loss, slower epithelial recovery, and scar formation. By inhibiting these proteases, anti-proteinases help preserve the structural framework of the cornea and allow the tissue to remodel in a controlled way, resulting in faster healing with less scarring. The other options describe effects not produced by anti-proteinases: tearing production is unrelated to protease inhibition, corneal edema stems from fluid imbalance, and neovascularization is driven by inflammatory signals rather than protease inhibition.