Sulfur hexafluoride in owl monkey vitreous cavity.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas, tested in the vitreous chamber of owl monkey eyes, remained in the vitreous cavity about twice as long as air (ten to 11 days vs. five to six days). Its volume expanded from the diffusion of other gases into the created gas pocket. Lens opacities developed when the lens was in continuous contact with SF6 or air. Sulfur hexafluoride appeared to be no more toxic to the retina than air, using electroretinographic, histologic, and electron microscopic criteria.