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Some postop complications of viscoelastics are avoidable, surgeon says
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NICE, France — Proper use of viscoelastics during surgery can prevent unnecessary viscoelastic-related complications, according to Steve Arshinoff, MD, FRCSC. Dr. Arshinoff presented some tips for proper use of viscoelastic materials here at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting.
In order to inject the viscoelastic properly and ensure that the anterior chamber is neither over- nor underfilled, Dr. Arshinoff recommended injecting the material through the primary incision, allowing the aqueous to egress. He also advised against injecting immediately past the incision.
Dr. Arshinoff advised surgeons to add more viscoelastic as soon as they determine the need for it — for example, when the capsulorrhexis is going astray. Surgeons must also ensure the viscoelastic has been completely removed at the end of surgery to avoid postoperative complications, he said.