The human eye is subjected to ethanol during Laser SubepithelialKeratomileusis surgery (LASEK) in order to create an epithelial flap. It isknown that ethanol induces corneal damage attributed to the action ofreactive oxygen species.The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective role ofvitamin E and vitamin C on corneal damage, apoptosis and inflammationinduced by ethanol application.Twenty eight adult male albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into 4groups, 7 rats each. Group I served as control. In group II corneas wereexposed to 20% ethanol (2 drops) for 30 seconds. In group III vitamin E(100mg/1ml) was applied topically on corneas exposed to ethanol. Ingroup IV vitamin C (100mg/1ml) was applied topically on corneasexposed to ethanol. Animals were sacrificed after 24 hours. The eyeballswere removed and processed. Sections were stained with H&E, Massontrichrome and immunohistochemical stain for FADD (to detect apoptosis)and for COX-2 (to detect inflammation). Morphometric analysis wasdone for the apoptotic index of epithelial nuclei, number of stromalkeratocytes and blood vessels as well as area % of COX-2immunoexpression.In group I, few apoptotic nuclei were seen. In group II corneas weremarkedly affected, an epithelial flap was formed, one basal cell layer withdark nuclei, neovascularization and multinucleated giant cells were seenin a distorted stroma. Apoptotic index values and COX-2 expression wereincreased when compared to the other groups. In groups III & IV corneasappeared not completely recovered.Vitamin E or vitamin C application appeared to be effective in theprotection of corneal damage induced by ethanol application.