A primer on ocular viscosurgical devices.
Amanda J Gerberich1, Heather J Ipema1
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL, USA.
Summary
Pharmacists need to understand ocular viscosurgical devices (OVDs) for optimal selection. This review details OVD characteristics and their role in ophthalmic surgery to aid pharmacists.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ocular viscosurgical devices (OVDs) protect the corneal endothelium during ophthalmic surgery.
- Available OVDs utilize sodium hyaluronate, sodium chondroitin sulfate, or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide pharmacists with an overview of OVDs.
- To describe characteristics of commercially available OVD agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of rheologic properties (viscosity, elasticity, pseudoplasticity, cohesion) influencing OVD function.
- Classification of OVDs into cohesive and dispersive types based on rheology.
- Analysis of available literature on OVD efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- OVDs are not interchangeable due to unique characteristics.
- Rheologic properties dictate OVD performance and clinical application.
- Understanding OVDs is crucial for appropriate product selection in diverse patient and procedural contexts.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists require knowledge of OVD properties and literature for formulary management.
- Optimal OVD selection depends on understanding rheologic characteristics and clinical role.
- This primer aids pharmacists in making informed formulary decisions regarding OVDs.
Keywords:
cataract surgeryocular viscosurgical devicerefractive surgical procedureviscoelasticviscoelastic substances
