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Acrylic IOLs may unfold faster after warming lenses, viscoelastics, saline
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NEW YORK — Surgeons performing acrylic IOL implantation can speed the unfolding of acrylic IOLs in the eye by using commercially available warming devices in the operating room to warm IOLs, viscoelastics and saline solution, a presenter said here.
Acrylic IOLs unfold very slowly because the operating room is normally kept at 64° while viscoelastics and balanced salt solution are refrigerated and can be anywhere between 42° and 64° at the time of surgery, Paul S. Koch, MD, said at OSN New York 2010.
Dr. Koch said he uses a commercially available candle-warming plate to gently warm balanced salt solution to 80° for 30 minutes to 60 minutes prior to cataract surgery. He uses a baby wipe warmer to heat viscoelastics and IOLs. To maintain warmth until surgery, Dr. Koch keeps the IOL and viscoelastic on a commercially available heating pad on a tray.
Dr. Koch demonstrated the difference in unfolding time with videos comparing unheated and heated IOLs and fluids. Warming the IOL, viscoelastic and balanced salt solution to body temperature "makes all the difference in the world," he said.