Effect of humidity on posterior lens opacification during fluid-air exchange.
OBJECTIVE
To study the relationship of humidity and the rate of lens opacity formation during fluid-air exchange using an animal model.


METHODS
Vitrectomy and fluid-air exchange was carried out using 16 eyes of 8 pigmented rabbits. One eye of each rabbit was exposed to dry air and the fellow eye received humidified air using an intraocular air humidifier. In each case, the percent humidity of the intraocular air was measured using an in-line hygrometer. Elapsed time from initial air entry to lens feathering was recorded for each eye, with the surgeon-observer unaware of the percent humidity of the air infusion.


RESULTS
In each rabbit, use of humidified air resulted in a delay in lens feathering (P<.02), with an overall increase in time to feathering of 80% for humidified air vs room air.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a humidifier during fluid-air exchange prolongs intraoperative lens clarity in the rabbit model, suggesting that humidified air should prolong lens clarity during phakic fluid-air exchange in patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of humidified air during vitrectomy and fluid-air exchange may retard the intraoperative loss of lens clarity, promoting better visualization of the posterior segment and enhancing surgical performance.
Harlan
J B
JB
Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Lee
E T
ET
Jensen
P S
PS
de Juan
E
E
D000388:Air; D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003890:Desiccation; D004322:Drainage; D006813:Humidity; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000502:physiology*; D011817:Rabbits; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects
D007552:Isotonic Solutions