SUMMARY

Corneal toxicity of perfluoropolyether and perfluoroctane was evaluated by uniocular injection of each of these substances into the anterior chamber of eight rabbits. Corneal clinical appearance was studied at one and two weeks following injection, after which the animals were sacrificed and the corneas processed for light and for scanning electron microscopy. Animals injected with perfluoropolyether showed more intense inflammatory reaction and corneal vascularization (P<0.02) Than did those receiving perfluoroctane. However, the perfluoroctane group showed more of the “fish-egging” phenomenon (P<0.03). Light and scanning electron microscopy disclosed endothelium cell loss in both perfluorocarbon liquid groups. These results suggest that corneal toxicity of these two perfluorocarbon liquids is a major problem after the first week in the anterior chamber.