Effects of intraocular perfusion with two alternating irrigation solutions on the simultaneously recorded electroretinogram of albino rabbits.

The direct current electroretinogram (DC-ERG) of 15 unilaterally vitrectomized albino rabbits was studied during continuous intraocular irrigation with a recently developed solution ('PHS') produced by Pharmacia Ophthalmics. The mean amplitudes of the b- and c-waves were somewhat lower than corresponding values of previously investigated reference subjects, but not statistically different. In 11 of the 15 rabbits PHS was then replaced by the commonly used balanced salt solution (BSS). The fluids were subsequently repeatedly alternated (PHS, BSS, PHS, BSS, PHS). During irrigation with BSS the average amplitude of the b-wave was reduced to 87% (p less than 0.02) and that of the c-wave to 63% (p less than 0.001) of the levels obtained during perfusion with PHS. In two rabbits the ERG was studied about one month after vitrectomy, where PHS-irrigation was used both during surgery and for 30 min after its completion. No marked differences were observed between the treated and the untreated eyes as to the b- and c-wave amplitudes at stable stages of the recording. Thus, judged by the ERG, retinal and pigment epithelial functions were influenced unfavorably by BSS, whereas they seemed to be well preserved with PHS. From this point of view PHS appears to be an excellent irrigation solution for vitreoretinal surgery that ought to be clinically tested.