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Abstract Purpose  To investigate the efficacy of Seprafilm (Genzyme, Framingham, MA, USA) in preventing postoperative adhesion between the conjunctiva and sclera after glaucoma filtering surgery. Methods  A subconjunctival pocket was created and Seprafilm was inserted into the pocket in nine rabbits (Seprafilm group), whereas in a second group, a subconjunctival pocket was created in nine rabbits but no Seprafilm was inserted (non-Seprafilm group). The postoperative adhesion force was measured 4 weeks after surgery. For the trabeculectomy study, trabeculectomy was performed and Seprafilm placed on the scleral flap in five rabbits (Seprafilm trabeculectomy group), whereas in a second group, trabeculectomy was performed in five rabbits but no Seprafilm was placed (non-Seprafilm trabeculectomy group). Filtering bleb formation and intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 following surgery. The eyes were enucleated for histologic evaluation 4 weeks after surgery. Results  The mean adhesive force between the conjunctiva and sclera in the Seprafilm group (125.6 ± 94.5 mmHg) was lower than that of the non-Seprafilm group (263.3 ± 79.3 mmHg) (P = 0.0041, unpaired t test). A more prominent bleb was observed in the Seprafilm trabeculectomy group than in the non-Seprafilm trabeculectomy group. Histologically, the subconjunctival space was larger in the Seprafilm trabeculectomy group than in the non-Seprafilm trabeculectomy group. Mean IOP was significantly lower in the Seprafilm trabeculectomy group (9.9 ± 0.6 mmHg) than in the non-Seprafilm trabeculectomy group (11.9 ± 0.7 mmHg) 4 weeks after surgery (P = 0.0044, unpaired t test). Conclusions  Seprafilm can reduce postoperative conjunctiva-sclera adhesion and may be a desirable antifibrotic agent for trabeculectomy in the early stages of wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of newly developed hydrogel glue to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in in vitro and in vivo studies. Methods  In the in vitro study, the solid hydrogel glue was soaked in a balanced salt solution (BSS). The pH was measured periodically, and the dissolution time was recorded. In the in vivo study in six albino rabbits, 0.1 ml of hydrogel glue was injected into the right vitreous cavity, and 0.1 ml BSS was injected into the left vitreous, as the control. Clinical, electroretinography (ERG) and histological examinations were performed. Retinal detachment with a retinal hole was created in 12 albino rabbits after vitrectomy. After fluid–air exchange, the hydrogel glue was applied to the hole in nine rabbits; three other rabbits were used as controls. Clinical and histological examinations were performed. Results  The pH ranged from 6.65 to 8.14. The glue remained solid in BSS for 7 weeks. The glue injection did not induce inflammation. There was no significant difference between the study and control eyes in the ERG amplitude or the implicit times of the a and b waves. No significant histological abnormality was detected. The retina was reattached with glue in three of nine eyes. The histological examination showed glue under the retina. Conclusions  Hydrogel glue, which seemed to be minimally toxic to the eye, can be used to patch retinal breaks. However, methods to mix a small amount of each solution completely and a more effective intraocular delivery system for the glue are needed.Jpn J Ophthalmol2007;51:89–95 Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]