INTRAOCULAR TOLERANCE OF PERFLUOROOCTYLBROMIDE (PERFLUBRON)

Purpose: To determine the intraocular tolerance of perfluorooctylbromi de (perflubron) in vitrectomized rabbit and pig eyes and evaluated its use as a vitreous substitute in vitreoretinal surgery. Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy was performed on 33 Dutch pigmented rabbits and 11 mi cro mini pigs. After vitrectomy the eyes were filled with perflubron f or 2 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and up to 6 months. Results: No clinical, electroretinographic, or light and electron microscopic evid ence of adverse effects on the retina and lens were observed. Perflubr on emulsified and dispersed into small bubbles after 2-3 weeks. The le ns showed mild posterior subcapsular cataracts in pig eyes after long- term retention of perflubron. Conclusion: These findings indicate that perflubron is safe for intraoperative and for longterm use intravitre ally. However, emulsification and the breakdown into small bubbles lim its the view of the retina when perflubron is used as a long-term tamp onade.