Perfluoroether liquid as a long-term vitreous substitute. An experimental study.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• The vitreous humor is essential for maintaining retinal structure and function.
• Developing safe and effective long-term vitreous substitutes is crucial for treating retinal detachment and other vitreoretinal diseases.
• Perfluoroether liquids, like Fomblin-H Fluorinated Fluid, are inert and nontoxic, making them candidates for vitreous substitution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility and efficacy of Fomblin-H Fluorinated Fluid as a long-term vitreous substitute in a rabbit eye model.
• To assess the histopathological effects of intravitreous Fomblin-H injection on the rabbit retina.

Main Methods:

• A vitreous compression technique using perfluoropropane gas was used to create space for the vitreous substitute in rabbit eyes.
• Fomblin-H Fluorinated Fluid was injected intravitreously into the created space.
• Eyes were enucleated at 1, 3, 4, and 6 months post-injection for histopathological examination.
• Control eyes were injected with medical-grade silicone oil.

Main Results:

• Intravitreous Fomblin-H injection led to retinal gliosis at 1 month.
• Preretinal membrane formation, retinal disorganization, and detachment were observed in 50% of eyes at 3 months and 100% of eyes at 4-6 months.
• Histopathology revealed vacuoles within the retina, presumed to be filled with Fomblin.
• Control silicone oil injections resulted in only moderate edema.

Conclusions:

• Fomblin-H Fluorinated Fluid induced significant retinal toxicity and structural damage in rabbit eyes.
• The observed retinal abnormalities, including detachment, indicate that Fomblin-H is not a suitable long-term vitreous substitute.
• Medical-grade silicone oil demonstrated better retinal tolerance compared to Fomblin-H.