PubMed ID: 6729266
Author(s): Chan IM, Tolentino FI, Refojo MF, Fournier G, Albert DM. Vitreous substitute. Experimental studies and review. Retina. 1984 Winter-Spring;4(1):51-9. PMID 6729266
Journal: Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.), Volume 4, Issue 1,
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.