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.