New generation hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC-Ophtal H) for intraocular surgery: a confocal laser scanning microscopy study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the abundance and variety of particulate debris in new generation hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) samples.


METHODS
Three samples of sterile HPMC-Ophtal H were examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope and mass spectrometry.


RESULTS
Confocal laser scanning microscopy of the samples showed that particulate matter in HPMC was less than 30 microns in size and at a density of less than 1000 particles per millilitre. No discernible details were seen by the scanning electron microscope, and mass spectrometry did not identify and bands.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved methods of preparation including filtration may be responsible for decreased particulate debris in new generation HPMC.
Ray-Chaudhuri
N
N
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Jayamanne
D G
DG
Strong
N P
NP
D002387:Cataract Extraction; D004340:Drug Contamination; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014783:Viscosity
D065347:Hypromellose Derivatives; D008747:Methylcellulose