Octafluorocyclobutane and Other Gases for Vitreous Replacement

In this study, an attempt was made to find a nontoxic gas for vitreous replacement that would be more slowly reabsorbed than air. One-tenth milliliter of air, helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, sulfur hexafluoride, and octafluorocyclobutane (Freon-C318) were injected into rabbit eyes. Octafluorocyclobutane, an insoluble gas of high molecular weight, remained the longest, an average of 7.47 days compared to 1.72 days for air. Ophthalmoscopic and histologic examination of two of the octafluorocyclobutane-injected eyes showed no evidence of toxic reaction. Inexpensive and readily available, octafluorocyclobutane merits further experimental study, particularly for use in retinal detachment surgery.