Posterior vitreous detachment induced by injection of plasmin and sulfur hexafluoride in the rabbit vitreous

Purpose: To investigate whether an injection of plasmin and sulfur hexafluo ride (SF6) can induce posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) without vitrectom y. Methods: One eye each of 15 New Zealand white rabbits was assigned to one o f three groups. Eyes in group 1 received a Vitreous injection of 1 unit of human plasmin (0.1 mL reconstituted in balanced salt solution) and 0.5 mL o f SF6; eyes in group 2 received a vitreous injection of plasmin alone; eyes in group 3 received a vitreous injection of SF6 alone. Seven days after in jection, all animals were monitored electroretinographically and killed, an d the eyes were enucleated, After fixation, scanning electron microscopy wa s performed. Results: In group 1 eyes, the retinal surface was smooth except for the vit reous base, which showed complete separation of the vitreous cortex from th e retina, indicating PVD. In group 2 and 3 eyes, sparse collagen fibers rem ained on the retinal surface. Conclusion: Vitreous injection of plasmin combined with SF, can induce PVD without vitrectomy.