5-Fluoro-uracil and low molecular weight heparin in the management of proliferative vitreo-retinopathy

Background: Proliferative vitreo-retinopathy (PVR) is the most common cause of failed repair of a primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). The success rates for the surgery of complicated RRD has doubled with improved vitreous techniques from 35-40% to approximately 65-75% at six months. However, despite these advances, recurrent vitreo-retinal traction leads to re-detachment in more than one-fourths of the initially successful cases. The use of adjunctive treatments to prevent cellular proliferation holds promise for the prevention of PVR or recurrences after surgery. One focus has been on the use of intra-vitreal antimetabolites to prevent the occurrence of PVR.