SUMMARY
Intravitreal instillation of perfluorotributylamine (PFTA) is an import adjunct in vitrectomy surgery. Electroretinogram changes in rabbits have been reported after PFTA was left in the vitreous cavity for two to four weeks. ln the study described herein, we sought to determine whether these changes are reversible after PFTA is removed. Seventeen rabbits underwent vitrectomy after which PFTA was instilled in 13 eyes. ln 8 eyes the PFTA was removed after 12 days (Group J), and in 5 eyes the PFTA was left in place until enucleation (Group 2); four eyes underwent surgery without instillation of PFTA (Group 3). No clinical changes were observed by indirect Ophthalmoscopy in any of the rabbits. ERGs were serially recorded in 12 rabbits before surgery (day O) and on days 9, 19, 25 and 35. We observed a decreased amplitude of the b- wave in all groups, but this was greatest in the first Groups 1 and 2. The removal of PFTA resulted in a recovery of b- wave amplitude to near baseline levels. It thus appears that, the functional changes induced by temporary placement of PFTA within the vitreous are reversible.