Evaluation of anterior segment tolerance to short-term intravitreal perfluoron.
OBJECTIVE
A study was performed to evaluate corneal and anterior segment toxicity from short-term (24-hour) intravitreal use of perfluoro-n-octane.


METHODS
Forty aphakic, vitrectomized eyes of pigmented rabbits underwent intravitreal injection of either 0.5 ml of perfluoro-n-octane (Perfluoron; Infinitech, St. Louis, MO; treated) or 0.5 ml balanced saline solution (control). Perfluoron was allowed to remain in the vitreous cavity for 24 hours. Serial measurements of corneal pachymetry and pneumotonometry were performed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 hours after injection. After 24 hours, endothelial cell morphology and barrier function were evaluated.


RESULTS
No significant differences in corneal thickness or intraocular pressure were noted between the two groups at any of the time points studied, and no differences in endothelial cell density/hexagonality or endothelial cell barrier function were observed 24 hours after injection.


CONCLUSIONS
In the absence of sustained corneal contact, no evidence of significant acute corneal or anterior segment toxicity was observed in response to short-term intravitreal perfluoro-n-octane in aphakic, vitrectomized rabbit eyes.
Han
D P
DP
Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Nanda
S K
SK
O'Brien
W J
WJ
Guy
J
J
Murray
T G
TG
Boldt
H C
HC
D000818:Animals; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000187:drug effects*; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D011817:Rabbits; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body
D005466:Fluorocarbons; C073608:perfluorooctane