Perfluorocarbon liquid effects on corneal endothelial permeability.

We investigated the effects of perfluoro-n-octane liquid on the rabbit corneal endothelial permeability to inulin and dextran. Permeability measurements were made either after 10 minute in vitro exposure of the endothelium to 50 microliters of the test liquid or after one week exposure in vivo following injection of 50 microliters of the test fluid into the anterior chamber. Retention of the perfluorocarbon on the in vitro cornea and in the anterior chamber during the appropriate exposure time was visually verified. The corneal endothelial permeability was unchanged after either short or sub-chronic treatment with perfluoro-n-octane indicating an absence of toxicity for this substance should it reach the cornea either intraoperatively or postoperatively.