Dexamethasone, D-penicillamine, and glaucoma filter surgery in rabbits.

A study was made in rabbits of the effect of topical dexamethasone ointment, .05%, and either subconjunctival or intraperitoneal D-penicillamine on the duration of function of glaucoma filtering surgery. The drugs were tested alone and in combination. Intraperitoneal D-penicillamine was not effective, either alone or combined with topical dexamethasone. Topical dexamethasone ointment alone and subconjunctival D-penicillamine alone significantly prolonged the duration of function of the filter surgery; however, when combined, no additional effect was observed. It was concluded that the institution of therapy with both drugs immediately after glaucoma filtering surgery was not the optimal temporal sequence for combining the two modes of therapy.