Ultrastructure of optic nerve fibers in rabbits after intravitreal infusion of perfluoroorganic compounds

: Ultrastructure of optic nerve myelinated fibers after intravitreal infusion of perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) and perfluorodecaline (PFD) for 30 days was studied in rabbits (n = 14). After inraocular administration of PFOB, the ultrastructural changes of optic nerve fibers were mainly reactive in nature. Mitochondrial swelling and partial destruction of cristae were detected in the axons. After PFD infusion, the changes were observed that were not only reactive, but highly degenerative, including destruction of organelles and myelin sheath and axon cytoskeleton disintegration. Thus, the changes associated with PFOB were less pronounced than those found after PFD application. Therefore, PFOB is more promising for the use as an ophthalmologic implant.