[Histopathologic studies of the rabbit retina after use of perfluorodecalin]

To investigate the retinal toxicity of a vitreous substitute perfluorodecalin (PFD) in the rabbit eye up to 2 weeks after injection.

A space was created in the vitreous cavity by injecting 0.4 cc of perfluoropropane gas. After 3 days gas-fluid exchange was performed. Experimental eyes were injected with 1 cc of PFD and control eyes with 1 cc of Ringer solution. The eyes were enucleated 1, 3, 6 and 14 days after the procedure and histological studies were conducted.

Control samples showed almost normal histology. One day after PFD injection photoreceptor nuclei dropout and migration below the outer limiting membrane, pyknosis and occasional densification of cell bodies were observed. After 3 days glial cell hypertrophy and accumulation of macrophages above the inner limiting membrane was also noted. After 6 days necrosis was observed in the outer and inner retinal layers. Foci of cell death in the retina were also observed 14 days after PFD injection.

PFD induced degenerative changes in the rabbit retina within the first 24 hours after administration. Structural alterations in the inner and outer retina persisted within the two weeks of observation. Our results support the removal of PFD at the end of the primary surgical procedure.