Method for destroying retinal pigment epithelial cells

摘要

A method for destroying retinal pigment epithelial cells in an eye in order to prevent the occurrence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. A solution containing a basement membrane binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent is introduced into the vitreous chamber. The solution is maintained in the vitreous chamber for a period of time sufficient to permit the basement membrane binding agent to bind to basement membranes lining the vitreous chamber. The solution is then removed from the vitreous chamber, whereby a portion of the basement membrane binding agent remains bonded to basement membranes within the vitreous chamber, thereby exposing retinal pigment epithelial cells disposed on the basement membrane to the cytotoxic agent.