Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Devices; Viscous Substances Used To Make Phacoemulsification Easy and Safe
Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices play an important role in ophthalmic (eye) surgeries, such as vitreoretinal surgery, glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, and corneal transplantation surgery. However, the selection of ophthalmic viscoelastic devices is based on both the surgical need and preferences of the surgeons. Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices, or viscoelastic, are viscous substances that allow surgeons to make phacoemulsification easier and safer. Viscoelastic are clear, non-active, and gel-like solutions with elastic and viscous properties. A viscoelastic solution or viscoelastic agent is used to help make cataract surgical procedures more successful. The major application of viscoelastic in ophthalmic surgery, such as cataract surgery is the prevention of corneal endothelial cell loss. This is managed to accomplish by strengthening the anterior chamber, absorbing ultrasound energy, protecting the mechanical endothelium from surgical trauma, and coating the intr...