Sclerotomy using needle puncture and subconjunctival injection of mitomycin C

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibilty of creating a temporary sclerotomy usi ng a 26-gauge needle and sustaining its patency by injectiong 0.1 mL of 0.1 mg/mL of mitomycin C (MMC) ANIMALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into 3 groups. In the test group, puncture was performed using 26-gauge nee dle penetrating the anterior chamber at the limbus, and 0.1 mg/mL MMC were injected subconjunctivally. In the control group, a puncture was performed in the same fashion and in the MMC group, MMC only was injected subconjunct ivally. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured prior to surgery and at day s 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28. RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure in eyes that underwent puncture with application of MMC was significantly lower than the IOP in the eye at all measurements up to and including day 21. In the puncture group, pressure wa s significantly lower than in the fellow eye only at day 3. No significant pressure reduction was observed at any measurement interval in eyes treated with MMC only. CONCLUSION: This simple technique of subconjunctival puncture of the limbus combined with application of MMC was effective in lowering IOP in rabbits. This may serve to attain a temporary filter in patients who need strict sh ort-term pressure control.