We studied a synthetic hydrogel, PHEA lsqb;poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate)rsqb;, experimentally. The material is transparent, autoclavable, highly viscous, nonabsorbable, easily injectable, cohesive, and does not' fragment on passage through small-gauge needles. Results in animal studies revealed that injection of PHEA into the vitreous cavity promoted inflammatory changes such as vitreous haziness, membrane formation, and chorioretinal atrophy. Histopathologic studies showed extensive retinal disorganization, chorioretinal scarring, and vitritis. We reviewed the literature and concluded that an ideal vitreous substitute for long-term use in complex cases of retinal detachment is not available at this time.
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