This study was designed to investigate whether
5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-polycaprolactone sustained-release film in Ahmed
glaucoma valve implantation inhibits postoperative
bleb scarring in rabbit eyes. Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (A, B and C; n = 6 per group). Group A received combined 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film application and Ahmed
glaucoma valve implantation, group B received local infiltration of
5-Fu and Ahmed
glaucoma valve implantation, and group C received Ahmed
glaucoma valve implantation. Postoperative observations were made of the anterior segment, intraocular pressure, central anterior chamber depth,
blebs, drainage tube, and accompanying ciliary body detachment. The pathology of the
blebs and surrounding tissues were observed at month 3 postoperatively. We revealed that the 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film maintained a release concentration range of 13.7 ± 0.12 to 37.41 ± 0.47 μg/ml over three months in vitro. Postoperatively, diffuse
blebs with ridges were found in all eyes in group A, two
blebs were observed in group B, and no
bleb formation was present in group C. The postoperative central anterior chamber depth in group A was significantly less than that of the other two groups. The postoperative intraocular pressure of group A stabilized at 6.33-8.67 mmHg, whereas that of group C gradually remained at 7.55-10.02 mmHg. The histopathology showed that the fibrous tissue thickness of the
blebs in group A was significantly thinner than that of the other groups. We conclude that the 5-Fu-polycaprolactone sustained-release film had a sustained drug release effect, which promoted the inhibition of
bleb scarring after Ahmed
glaucoma valve implantation.