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Retinal tolerance of an implantable light source for use during vitrectomy surgery
J F Vander1, R C Eagle, G C Brown
1Retina Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Ophthalmic Surgery
|December 11, 1991
Summary
This study found no retinal phototoxicity in Dutch belted rabbits using an implantable chandelier light source. Standard endoilluminator probes, however, did cause phototoxic lesions in control eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Photobiology
Background:
- Implantable light sources are used in ophthalmic surgery.
- The risk of phototoxicity from these devices requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the phototoxic potential of an implantable "chandelier" light source on rabbit retinas.
- To compare phototoxicity from the implantable source versus a standard endoilluminator probe.
Main Methods:
- Five Dutch belted rabbit retinas were exposed to maximal intensity illumination from an implantable chandelier light source for 1 hour.
- Control eyes were exposed to a standard endoilluminator probe for 5 or 20 minutes.
- Eyes were examined clinically and with light and electron microscopy 48–72 hours posttreatment.
Main Results:
- No clinically apparent or microscopic phototoxic lesions were observed in retinas treated with the implantable chandelier light source.
- A 20-minute exposure to a standard endoilluminator probe caused typical phototoxic abnormalities.
- A 5-minute exposure to the endoilluminator probe did not result in observable damage.
Conclusions:
- Sustained retinal exposure to the implantable chandelier light source at maximal intensity for a clinically relevant duration did not induce phototoxicity in rabbits.
- Standard endoilluminator probes can induce phototoxicity under experimental conditions, confirming the model's validity.