Article Text
Abstract
Background / aims: To investigate the effect of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on the physical interaction (contact angle) between silicone oil and a silicone intraocular lens (IOL).
Methods: In vitro experiments were performed, to determine the effect of HPMC (0.5%, 1% or 2%), with or without an additional simple mechanical manoeuvre, on the contact angle of silicone oil at the surface of both silicone and acrylic (control) IOLs. A balanced salt solution chamber was used. The study group comprised of 21 silicone and 9 acrylic IOLs.
Results: Median contact angle of silicone oil on silicone IOL was 99°. The addition of HPMC 2% alone did not significantly alter contact angle. HPMC 2% combined with an additional single mechanical manoeuvre increased contact angle to 180° (greater non-wetting), with complete separation of silicone oil from silicone IOL within 1 minute. The manoeuvre alone, or in conjunction with a lower concentration of HPMC (0.5 or 1%), was ineffective in increasing the contact angle.
Conclusion: We present a novel, non-toxic technique of using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2% combined with a simple mechanical manoeuvre, for the removal of adherent silicone oil droplets from silicone intraocular lenses.