Intraocular effects of lint particles from disposable drapes.

Fragments of lint from a disposable paper head drape were implanted into the anterior chamber of 9 rabbit eyes. Eyes were removed at varying intervals after implantations and sectioned for microscopic examination. A localized inflammatory response appeared as early as day 1 and increased in severity during the first 10 days. The reaction began to abate, however, by the 14th day. Control eyes with sham operations failed to show any such reaction. Daily monitoring for cell and flare reaction was negative in all eyes.