Experimental tolerance to perfluorodecalin used in prolonged intraocular tamponade

The authors report the results of an experimental study of a series of 16 rabbit eyes that underwent prolonged tamponade by a liquid perfluorocarbon (LPFC). After vitreous compression by C3F8, a complete gas/LPFC exchange is performed and left in place for 48 h, 12 days and 21 days. Study of the retina by light and electron microscopy showed numerous lesions: vacuolization in the nerve fiber layer, progressive defects of the outer photoreceptor segments and presence of pseudomyelinic bodies in the inner plexiform layer. The axonal fiber loss is shown by a specific marker. The analysis of the results underlines the mechanical toxicity of LPFCs used in prolonged tamponade, which are too heavy for the neurosensory retina.