TY - JOUR
T1 - Vitreous Substitutes
T2 - A Comprehensive Review
AU - Kleinberg, Teri T.
AU - Tzekov, Radouil T.
AU - Stein, Linda
AU - Ravi, Nathan
AU - Kaushal, Shalesh
N1 - Funding Information:
The authors reported no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article. The article was supported by the Vision Research Fund, University of Massachusetts Medical School.
PY - 2011/7
Y1 - 2011/7
N2 - Vitreoretinal disorders constitute a significant portion of treatable ocular disease. Advances in vitreoretinal surgery have included the development and characterization of suitable substitutes for the vitreous. Air, balanced salt solutions, perfluorocarbons, expansile gases, and silicone oil serve integral roles in modern vitreoretinal surgery. Vitreous substitutes vary widely in their properties, serve different clinical functions, and present different shortcomings. Permanent vitreous replacement has been attempted with collagen, hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and natural hydrogel polymers. None, however, have proven to be clinically viable. A long-term vitreous substitute remains to be found, and recent research suggests promise in the area of synthetic polymers. Here we review the currently available vitreous substitutes, as well those in the experimental phase. We classify these compounds based on their functionality, composition, and properties. We also discuss the clinical use, advantages, and shortcomings of the various substitutes. In addition we define the ideal vitreous substitute and highlight the need for a permanent substitute with long-term viability and compatibility. Finally, we attempt to define the future role of biomaterials research and the various functions they may serve in the area of vitreous substitutes.
AB - Vitreoretinal disorders constitute a significant portion of treatable ocular disease. Advances in vitreoretinal surgery have included the development and characterization of suitable substitutes for the vitreous. Air, balanced salt solutions, perfluorocarbons, expansile gases, and silicone oil serve integral roles in modern vitreoretinal surgery. Vitreous substitutes vary widely in their properties, serve different clinical functions, and present different shortcomings. Permanent vitreous replacement has been attempted with collagen, hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and natural hydrogel polymers. None, however, have proven to be clinically viable. A long-term vitreous substitute remains to be found, and recent research suggests promise in the area of synthetic polymers. Here we review the currently available vitreous substitutes, as well those in the experimental phase. We classify these compounds based on their functionality, composition, and properties. We also discuss the clinical use, advantages, and shortcomings of the various substitutes. In addition we define the ideal vitreous substitute and highlight the need for a permanent substitute with long-term viability and compatibility. Finally, we attempt to define the future role of biomaterials research and the various functions they may serve in the area of vitreous substitutes.
KW - Aging
KW - Retinal detachment
KW - Vitreoretinal surgery
KW - Vitreous body
KW - Vitreous detachment
KW - Vitreous substitute
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=79959255453&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.survophthal.2010.09.001
DO - 10.1016/j.survophthal.2010.09.001
M3 - Review article
C2 - 21601902
AN - SCOPUS:79959255453
SN - 0039-6257
VL - 56
SP - 300
EP - 323
JO - Survey of ophthalmology
JF - Survey of ophthalmology
IS - 4
ER -