Injectable silicone rubber for ocular implantation after evisceration

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• Evisceration is a surgical procedure to remove the eye's contents while preserving the sclera.
• Maintaining orbital volume post-evisceration is crucial for cosmetic outcomes and prosthesis fitting.
• Current orbital implants may have limitations in terms of biocompatibility and ease of insertion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of addition type liquid silicone rubber (ATLSR) as an injectable implant for maintaining eyeball volume after evisceration in an animal model.
• To assess the biocompatibility and inflammatory response to ATLSR implants over a 24-week period.

Main Methods:

• Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent evisceration of one eye, with the fellow eye serving as a control.
• ATLSR was injected into the eviscerated sockets to serve as an implant.
• In vivo observations, photographic documentation, and post-operative measurements of ocular dimensions were conducted up to 24 weeks.
• Histopathological analysis was performed to assess inflammation and tissue response.

Main Results:

• ATLSR implants maintained ocular volume, showing significant differences in sagittal and vertical diameters compared to control eyes.
• Corneal clarity was maintained, with only mild epithelial edema and neovascularization observed.
• Initial post-operative inflammation peaked at 2-3 weeks but gradually regressed, with minimal inflammatory cells remaining by 24 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Injectable ATLSR is a promising option for ocular implantation post-evisceration, effectively maintaining eyeball volume and providing satisfactory cosmetic results.
• The spontaneous regression of inflammation suggests good biocompatibility of ATLSR for at least 24 weeks.
• ATLSR offers a potentially advantageous alternative for orbital reconstruction due to its injectable nature and demonstrated safety profile.