Effect of the vitreous on retinal wound-healing.
The healing process of experimental retinal wounds in nonvitrectomized and vitrectomized rabbit eyes was compared. Using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, a significant difference was observed at the late stages of the healing process. The retinal wounds in the nonvitrectomized eyes healed properly, forming regular and smooth scars, while the scars that developed in the vitrectomized eyes were irregular and hypertrophic. Our observations suggest that the vitreous plays a role in normal healing of retinal wounds.
D000818:Animals; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000293:injuries* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014945:Wound Healing