Purpose: To evaluate and to compare the biocompatibility of gelatinous and hard silicone spheres placed into eviscerated scleral cavities of rabbits.
Method: Thirty rabbits underwent right eye evisceration surgery and replacement of orbital volume using gelatinous (Group I) or hard silicone (Group II) spheres. Seven, 30 and 90 days after the surgical procedure, clinical assessment, ultrasound of the orbit, histological and morphometric evaluation of the pseudocapsule were performed. Data was submitted to statistical analysis.
Results: Similarity of tissue response was observed with both materials. Two gelatinous and one hard silicone spheres had extrusion. The pseudocapsule around the gelatinous spheres was better organized, thinner and with less inflammatory reaction.
Conclusions: Both spheres had good integration to the orbital tissue in rabbit eviscerated cavities.