Ocular inflammatory activity following different techniques of lens extraction and vitrectomy in rabbits

The ocular inflammatory activity following different techniques of lens extraction and vitrectomy was studied in rabbits recovered from primary uveitis. Primary uveitis was induced by intravitreal injection of human serum albumin. After five to ten weeks, when the eyes were completely quiet, vitrectomy combined with lensectomy in one session or extracapsular lens extraction followed by vitrectomy was performed in different groups of rabbits. The most intense postoperative inflammatory process was encountered following removal of the lens independently of the route of extraction (via the ciliary body or via the anterior chamber). Vitrectomy via the ciliary body led to a minimal postoperative inflammation which resolved within 7 days. From these results we concluded that vitrectomy in primarily sensitized rabbit eyes can be performed without intense postoperative complications.