Corneal thickness after vitrectomy and infusion with dextran solution

We studied with pachometry the degree of corneal endothelial decompensation in rabbits undergoing extracapsular lens extraction and vitrectomy. We used 3 different infusion solutions: (1) 0.9% sodium chloride; (2) 0.45% sodium chloride with 2.5% glucose; and (3) 0.45% sodium chloride, 2.5% glucose, and 2% dextran. Vitrectomy and vitreous replacement with the last solution demonstrated the least overall increase in corneal thickness. On the basis of these observations, dextran may be a useful colloid osmotic agent in intraocular irrigating fluids to control and decrease postoperative corneal edema.