OCULAR CONCENTRATIONS OF MITOMYCIN-C USING DIFFERENT DELIVERY DEVICES

Hypotony and its sequelae are a frequent complication of trabeculectom ies performed with mitomycin C (MMC), possibly related to intraocular toxicity of the substance. In an animal model with rabbits, we used di fferent devices for the application of MMC and measured extra-and intr aocular concentrations by HPLC. In addition, the concentrations of MMC remaining in the devices were determined. The devices were (1) a regu lar surgical sponge, (2) a scleral shield, (3) a presoaked soft contac t lens, (4) a soft contact lens with MMC application, and (5) subconju nctival injection. Ocular concentrations of MMC were similar within th e first 4 groups and were highest in the last. The measurements sugges t that MMC penetrates intraocularly regardless of the device used. The variability of remaining MMC concentrations in the devices was lowest in the soft contact lenses suggesting an improved delivery system com pared to the usually used surgical sponges.