The use of thiphenamil hydrochloride (Trocinate) to control wound contraction after radial keratotomy.

We studied the efficacy of a topical smooth muscle antagonist, thiphenamil hydrochloride (Trocinate), in inhibiting wound contraction in ocular tissue. Fifteen New Zealand white rabbits underwent standard eight-incision radial keratotomy (RK), and eyes were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. As demonstrated by slit lamp corneal photographs and by ocular histology, transient inhibition of wound contraction lasted approximately one week in all treatment eyes. We conclude that thiphenamil has a temporary, but specific, effect in controlling wound contraction after ocular surgery. Smooth muscle antagonists may be useful for managing cicatricial conditions of the eye.