Experimental vitreous fibroplasia following perforating ocular injuries
A. R. Pilkerton, N. A. Rao, G. E. Marak and S. C. Woodward
Biochemical data and histopathologic observations were made on an
experimental model of vitreous fibroplasia in the rabbit eye, with
comparisons between the change in vitreous collagen concentration and
histologic characteristics 7, 14, and 30 days after injury. Prior to two
weeks after injury there is a relatively small amount of new vitreous
collagen formed, associated with an inflammatory and vascular reaction. At
four weeks there is a marked increase in new vitreous collagen and dense
fibrous sheets are noted. Vitreous hemorrhage accelerates collagen
formation, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate does not decrease
vitreous fibrosis. Our results suggest that the optimum time for
vitrectomy, under the conditions of this experiment, is two weeks after
primary repair. The efficacy of steroids in retarding vitreous fibroplasia
is not supported.