Evaluation of a single intravitreal injection of 5-fluorouracil in vitrectomy cases

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after pars plana vitrectomy, 51 eyes were followed in a prospective and randomized clinical trial in which, upon completion of surgery, 26 eyes received 10 mg intravitreal 5-FU and 25 control eyes did not receive 5-FU. The only possible sign of 5-FU toxicity was prolonged corneal epithelial edema. Visual acuities of 20/200 or better were obtained in 67% of the 5-FU group and 56% of the control group. Successful macular reattachment was obtained in 60% of the 5-FU group and 77% of the control group. None of the eyes in either group developed substantial intraocular proliferation or membranes. The findings indicate that a single 10-mg intravitreal injection of 5-FU is well tolerated without permanent toxic damage.