Retinal wound healing after surgical contusion injury

Abstract

The lesion was caused by a compression injury to the retina with a vitrectomy instrument in a rhesus monkey; the lesion was examined by electron microscopy 8 years later. The inner surface of the choroid was lined by a layer of cells with the characteristics of fibroblasts. The choriocapillaris was missing. Bruch's membrane was extremely thickened and showed numerous changes. In the center of the scar, the retinal pigment epithelium was discontinuous. The neuroretinal portion of the scar was composed of distorted and dislocated nerve cells, nerve fibers, and glial elements that were probably Müller cells. Towards the vitreous cavity, the surface of the scar contained numerous microvillous processes. A band of zonulae adherentes resembling the outer limiting membrane was seen immediately adjacent to the surface. No inner limiting membrane was seen in the entire scar area.