Polygeline as a Vitreous Substitute

In a previous article the experimental replacement of vitreous by polygeline (Haemaccel, Great Britain and Germany) in rabbits was discussed. 1 Since the results of these experiments were favorable, the author applied the solution clinically in cases of retinal detachment. Material and Method The commercially available 3.5% solution of polygeline was used in 15 patients with retinal detachment. A new sterile bottle was opened for each patient to prevent bacteriological contamination during aspiration which might be disastrous for the eye in view of the fact that polygeline is a good culture medium. Polygeline was used subsequent to scleral diathermy, in most patients combined with scleral resection, according to the method described by Hagedoorn and Velzeboer. 2 Injection of the drug was resorted to only when, after removal of subretinal fluid by a sclerochoroidal incision, the ocular tension remained low despite shortening of the eyeball. In our operating room a sterile