Pseudovitreous fluid based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose

Various materials have been suggested for vitreous replacement following vitreoretinal surgery. We studied the use of a viscous physiologic solution based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a synthetic polymer structurally similar to hyaluronic acid. Following vitrectomy this pseudovitreal fluid was injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbits. The material appeared to be well tolerated during a six-month observation period.