title: Vitreous substitute. Experimental studies and review.
abstract: We studied a synthetic hydrogel, PHEA [poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate)], experimentally. The material is transparent, autoclavable , highly viscous, nonabsorbable, easily injectable, cohesive, and does not fragment on passage through small-gauge needles. Results in animal studies revealed that injection of PHEA into the vitreous cavity promoted inflammatory changes such as vitreous haziness , membrane formation, and chorioretinal atrophy. Histopathologic studies showed extensive retinal disorganization, chorioretinal scarring, and vitritis . We reviewed the literature and concluded that an ideal vitreous substitute for long-term use in complex cases of retinal detachment is not available at this time.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005782:Gels; D007267:Injections; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000187:drug effects; D014783:Viscosity; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D005782:Gels; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; C023037:poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate)