Retinal surgeons should reconsider viscodissection, specialist says

SINGAPORE — Using viscodissection to delineate the plane between thick vascularized membrane and the retina should be considered by retinal specialists, said one physician speaking here.

Pearl Tamesis-Villalon, MD, described the advantages of this technique at the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. She cited these advantages, which include creating minimal trauma, having a force exerted over a broader area rather than via one single point and having the viscous effect of the fluid control bleeding.

“Although [viscodissection] is not the main surgical technique, it is of great use occasionally, as it can adequately define a space between two surfaces,” Dr. Tamesis-Villalon said.

She also said that this technique is not meant to replace conventional surgeries but to work as an adjunct to them.

Newer viscoelastics have higher molecular weights and have changed the technique a bit, making it viable once again as an option for retinal surgeons, she said.