Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of subconjunctival verapamil on outcome in an experimental model of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Methods An experimental model of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy was induced in pigme nt rabbits,which then were selected randomly to receive either subconjunctival verapamil injection treatment or a placebo injection(control)daily for 3 weeks.Animals were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. Eyes were enucleated for light microscopy 5 weeks later. Results Fifty-six percent(18 of 32)of the rabbits receiving subconjunctival verapamil injection had developed tractional retinal detachment,whereas eighty-one percent(26 of 32)of control animals had developed tractional retinal detachment(chi;2=4.655,P=0.031).The results of clinical examination and light microscopy didn't show evidence of toxicity between the verapamil treated animals and control animals. Conclusion Subconjunctival verapamil decreased the incidence of tractional retinal detachment due to traumatic proliferative vetreoretinopathy in this rabbit model.Verapamil at the dose used in this model has no evident toxicity on rabbit eyes.Further studies are needed to determine the doseresponse and efficacy of the drug. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis,1999,15:69-71)