Fluorinated oils as experimental vitreous substitutes.

Two kinds of fluorinated oils (a fluorosilicone oil and a perfluoroether [Freon E15]) that have a higher density than water were evaluated as long-term vitreous substitutes. Vitreous compression using perfluoropropane gas was performed to create a space for the vitreous substitute in rabbit eyes. Two fluorosilicone oils (1000 and 10 000 centistokes) induced edema of the inner retinal layers and occasionally of the outer retinal layers regardless of viscosity or period of observation up to six months, but they were well tolerated clinically. Control eyes injected with silicone oils of comparable viscosities showed similar histopathologic findings. Freon E15 induced formation of bubbles and precipitates by one month after injection, and retinal disorganization, formation of preretinal membranes, and tractional retinal detachment by six months. Thus, Freon E15 proved to be unsuitable, but fluorosilicone oil is a possible high-density vitreous substitute.