An experimental model to assess factors associated with scleral buckle infection

A reproducible rabbit model to assess factors associated with scleral buckle infection was developed. Buckle exoplant material incubated with staphylococcus was sutured to rabbit sclera, covered with conjunctiva, then removed after 24 hours. Colony counts from removed exoplant material were used to define experimentally the degree of infection. Experimental modifications of the model were used to determine how differences in perioperative treatment may affect infection. Soaking sponge exoplant in antibiotic or subconjunctival injection of antibiotic had a marked beneficial effect, while prophylactic topical antibiotic drops, or systemically administered antibiotics had a less marked effect. Silicone sponge exoplant material showed a greater tendency towards bacterial contamination than did solid silicone.