Experimental Research Of Perfluoroperhydrophenan Threne As A High Specific Gravity Vitreous Substitute In Rhesus Monkey

Purpose. Anterior and posterior segment changes of experimental vitreous substitution with Perfluoroperhydro-phenanthrene(vitreon)in rhesus monkey eyes were evaluated. Methods. Seven rhesus monkey eyes underwent vitrectomy and vitreous replacement with vitreon, An eighth eye served as control with BSS. The vitreon remained in vitreous cavity from 2 to 9 weeks. Clinical and Fluorescein angiogram and histological examinations of the eyes were done 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 weeks after insertion of the tamponade. Results. Clinical examination of the eyes with vitreon revealed a mild-to-moderate anterior chamber and vitreous cavity inflammatory reaction during the first weeks . The reaction was alleviated in postoperative 2 weeks. Vitreon fragments into small globules in vitreous cavity 1 weeks after surgery .All cornea remained clearthroughout the experimental period although the vitreon entered into the anterior chamber in one eye. The lens were clear except one which was touched during surgery. The intraocular pressure were normal in all stages. Fluorescein angiogram of these eyes showed there is no dye leakage from the retinal vessels. Light micrograph of the retina 9 weeks after vitreon injection appeared normal. Electron micrograph of the superior and inferior retina 2 weeks after vitreon injection showed that the mitochondria of inner segment swollen and of inferior retinal bipolar cell and ganglion cell swollen. These damage gradually become heavier with time. The difference of damage in the superior and inferior retina was no significant.Conclusions. Vitreon injected into the vitreous cavity of rhesus monkey had no toxic effects on the cornea and lens. Damages to the retina were observed two weeks after vitreous replacement with vitreon.