Fluorinated oils as experimental vitreous substitutes
K. Miyamoto, M. F. Refojo, F. I. Tolentino, G. A. Fournier and D. M. Albert
Two kinds of fluorinated oils (a fluorosilicone oil and a perfluoroether
[Freon E15]) that have a higher density than water were evaluated as
long-term vitreous substitutes. Vitreous compression using perfluoropropane
gas was performed to create a space for the vitreous substitute in rabbit
eyes. Two fluorosilicone oils (1000 and 10 000 centistokes) induced edema
of the inner retinal layers and occasionally of the outer retinal layers
regardless of viscosity or period of observation up to six months, but they
were well tolerated clinically. Control eyes injected with silicone oils of
comparable viscosities showed similar histopathologic findings. Freon E15
induced formation of bubbles and precipitates by one month after injection,
and retinal disorganization, formation of preretinal membranes, and
tractional retinal detachment by six months. Thus, Freon E15 proved to be
unsuitable, but fluorosilicone oil is a possible high-density vitreous
substitute.
