Irritation of ocular tissue by irreversible hydrocolloids

Two ophthalmic and two dental irreversible hydrocolloid materials were tested on rabbit conjunctivae to determine histologically their potential to irritate these tissues. Each of the four impression materials elicited nearly the same amount of inflammatory response. The differences between the response of the controls and the response to Ophthalmic Mold-Eye, Jelset Special Formula, and Kerr Alignate Type II were significant. These results indicate that certain dental irreversible hydrocolloids may be used for ocular prostheses but that they should be used with caution because of the inflammation caused by irreversible hydrocolloids.