The biocompatibility of a new semisolid, hydrophobic poly(ortho ester) (POE) intended for controlled drug delivery to the eye was evaluated. The polymer was injected subconjunctivally in rabbits, and clinical and histologic examinations were performed 3, 10, 15, and 21 days after injection. Polymers injected as controls were an aqueous gel of sodium hyaluronate (SH), 1% in phosphate buffer, and medical grade silicone oil. After injection, the POE emulsified into small droplets and a focal eosinophilic reaction was noted at 3 days' implantation. At 10 days' implantation, the POE was not identified in the implantation site and the inflammatory reaction had resolved, with fibroblasts being the predominant cell type. At 15 and 21 days, no POE was indentified and normal appearing tissue was present in the injection site. Sodium hyaluronate was not inflammatory over the period of the implantations. Silicone oil induced a slight inflammation at 3 days, with the presence of eosinophils and limited necrosis with cellular debris. Silicone oil was present in the implantation site 3, 10, 15, and 21 days. The inflammatory response to the respective polymers was evaluated in the subconjunctival tissue. The inflammatory reaction was quantified at the implant site, adjacent subconjunctival tissues, and scleral and corneal stroma. The inflammatory cell densities in these respective tissue zones were determined, and the ratio of eosinophils over total inflammatory cells was calculated. POE did not become encapsulated with fibrous tissue, but biodegraded in a short time, indicating its potential for use after glaucoma filtration surgery.