We used an animal model to compare the corneal and aqueous penetration of topical prednisolone acetate 1% with and without the presence of a commercially available collagen corneal shield. A significant (P less than .02) increase in penetration into cornea and aqueous humor at 30 minutes and 120 minutes was found in eyes with a collagen corneal shield in place. Increased concentrations were achieved by soaking the shield in prednisolone acetate for 15 minutes prior to application.