Retinal toxicity of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in the rabbit.

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive was injected into the preretinal space of rabbit eyes to study potential toxicity to the retina. Application of 3.3-10.0 ul of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive showed localized but definite retinal toxicity. White halos appeared surrounding the preretinal cyanoacrylate immediately after injection with a gradual evolution of the white areas into pigmentary scars by 1 month. Histological examination confirmed severe focal necrosis of the retina. No identifiable distant toxic effects or electrophysiologic changes were observed during the 6-month follow-up period.