[Biocompatibility of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose as a vitreous substitute in rabbits]

We have studied the biocompatibility of the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in ten rabbits' eyes after lensectomy and posterior vitrectomy. In seven eyes the inflammatory reaction was severe. The reason why the hydroxypropylmethylcellulose is biocompatible in the anterior segment and not in the vitreous body seems to be explained by its quantity and its concentration in the eye at the end of the surgical procedure.