[Retinochoroidal changes in experimental severe ocular contusion].

In rabbit models of severe retinal contusion, the retinal edema at the posterior pole resolved in 2 weeks after trauma, leaving central depigmentation and encircling pigmentation. Electroretinogram was diminished permanently and fluorescein angiography showed leakage and staining. The pathologic changes comprised irreversible disruptions of choroidal capillaries, the outer layer of Bruch membrane, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells, indicating that the regenerative capacity of choroidal capillaries and RPE cells was limited. Transient edema in the inner retinal layers and erythro-phagocytosis by RPE cells were observed.