PURPOSE: 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.
PURPOSE: 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.