Reducing corneal toxicity of 5-fluorouracil in the early postoperative period following glaucoma filtering surgery

To gain a better understanding of the relationship between postoperative 5-fluorouracil administration and corneal complications associated with its use, we analysed 43 consecutive filtering procedures in which it had been employed. Nine of the 43 eyes had corneal complications during that period. At the end of the three-month period, these corneal complications had all resolved. There was no correlation between postoperative intraocular pressure lowering and incidence of corneal complications. A low dose of 5-flourouracil, and early recognition and treatment of corneal toxicity associated with its use may reduce corneal complications while maintaining filtration in eyes with poor surgical prognosis.