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. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the application of mitomycin-C dissolved in sodium hyaluronate effectively reduces PCO in rabbit eyes. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:1537-1542 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.