INHIBITION OF POSTERIOR CAPSULE OPACIFICATION - THE EFFECT OF COLCHICINE IN A SUSTAINED DRUG-DELIVERY SYSTEM

We investigated the effect of colchicine in a sustained drug delivery system on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in rabbit eyes. A poly mer matrix wafer, which diffused colchicine at a steady rate, was impl anted in the capsular bag of 34 eyes after the lens material was remov ed by endocapsular phacoemulsification. Three different drug concentra tions were used in the rabbit eyes, which were compared with control e yes containing the polymer matrix wafer without colchicine. The mean P CO score was highest in the control group without colchicine and incre ased steadily over 12 weeks. The rate of PCO formation in all eyes tre ated with colchicine was significantly lower than in the control group . There was no statistically significant improvement in PCO inhibition with the higher colchicine dosages. Side effects included inflammator y anterior chamber reaction and corneal and retinal complications and were most notable with the highest drug concentration. Slow release of colchicine reduces PCO formation in the rabbit. The optimal biocompat ible dosage must be carefully determined and warrants further investig ation.