TOPICAL CYCLOSPORINE AND GLAUCOMA DRAINAGE IMPLANT-SURGERY IN RABBITS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of-topical cyclosporine on the function of filtering blebs and fibroblast proliferation after glaucoma drainage implant surgery in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraocular pressure, flow resistance through the implant capsule, and fibroblast-density in the capsule were compared between 12 eyes that received implant surgery only (group A) and 11 eyes treated with topic al 2% cyclosporine twice a day for 2 weeks after implant surgery (grou p B). RESULTS: There were significantly larger decreases in intraocula r pressure at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively in group B than in group A (n = 12, P < .05). Flow resistance was significantly lower in group B than in group A (n = 5, P < .05) at 8 weeks postoperatively. F ibroblast density was not significantly different between the two grou ps (n = 3, P > .05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that topical 2% cyclosporine may enhance the effectiveness of glaucoma drainage impla nt surgery.