Effect of mitomycin-C on posterior capsule opacification in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE

To determine whether mitomycin-C can inhibit posterior capsule opacification (PCO) without causing ocular toxicity.

SETTING

Yonsei Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

Mitomycin-C dissolved in sodium hyaluronate (0.2 cc of 0.2 mg/mL) was injected into the empty capsular bag for 3 minutes after endocapsular phacoemulsification in rabbit eyes. Three months after surgery, the obstruction rate of visible light caused by PCO was measured using an optical power meter.

RESULTS

The mean obstruction rate of visible light was 81.0% +/- 8.3% (SD) in the control group in which sodium hyaluronate without mitomycin-C was used, 30.5% +/- 10.1% in the group in which mitomycin-C was dissolved in sodium hyaluronate, and 71.9% +/- 6.8% in the group in which mitomycin-C was dissolved in a balanced salt solution. Statistically significant differences were found among all 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the application of mitomycin-C dissolved in sodium hyaluronate effectively reduces PCO in rabbit eyes.