Use of viscoelastic solutions in ophthalmology:  a review of physical properties and long-term effects.
Solutions of flexible macromolecules are used in ophthalmic surgery for insertion of intraocular lens, during corneal transplantation, in cataract, corneal, glaucoma, trauma, and vitreo-retinal surgery.  Polymeric materials used in formulating these solutions include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, polyacrylamide, collagen, and mixtures of some of these materials.  Although the physical properties of these materials have been studied extensively, the long-term effects resulting from transitory increases in intraocular pressure and loss of even a small number of corneal endothelial cells are still unknown.  The purpose of this paper is to review the literature that is available on these topics.
Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway 08854.
F H
FH
Silver
J
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LiBrizzi
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D
Benedetto
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000737:chemistry; D003094:Collagen / Q000737:chemistry; D005131:Eye Injuries; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D012212:Rheology; D013997:Time Factors; D014783:Viscosity