Local ocular hypothermia was evaluated in experimental open sky vitrectomy, closed vitrectomy, and anterior chamber irrigation and aspiration in 40 albino rabbits (80 eyes). The irrigating balanced salt solution was used at room temperature in control eyes and was cooled to 7 degrees C in experimental eyes. Experimental eyes demonstrated less intraocular bleeding volume, less fibrin production, and less postoperative inflammation. No detectable tissue intolerance to hypothermia was observed on short- or long-term follow-up.