[Effect of decadron phosphate on ophthalmoscopic changes in the rat eye with intravitreal brass wires]

This paper reports on ophthalmoscopic findings after implantation of 0.3 mm2 copper-zinc wires (85:15) into the vitreous body of rat eyes (2 groups of 11 animals each) and the influence of daily administration of Decadron-Phosphate, equivalent to 0.05 mg dexamethasone. This drug, injected subconjunctivally over a period of 10 days, reduces the vitreal opacities and both retinal as well as vitreal vascularization, but increases the tendency of the foreign bodies to migrate. The dose-dependent decline in bodyweight gain is an indicator of the drug's systemic effect. In order to distinguish mechanical damage from the metal intoxication, glass splinters of the same size and shape were implanted in a further series of experiments, for the purpose of comparison.