EXPERIMENTAL RETINAL TOLERANCE TO LIQUID SILICONE

The effect of intraocular liquid silicone on the electroretinogram (ERG) and on retinal morphology was studied in rabbits. After vitrectomy, liquid silicone (1000 centistokes) or balanced salt solution (BSS) was injected into the eyes. The intraocular silicone was well tolerated clinically in all eyes that were followed over a period of 3 days to 6 months. ERG responses were equivalent in operated control and silicone-injected eyes. Light and electron microscopy showed slight but comparable changes in both operated control and silicone-injected eyes that were consistent with either fixation artifact and/or surgical trauma. The results suggest that exposure to silicone for up to 6 months does not have a toxic effect on the rabbit retina.