98%
921
2 minutes
20
Vitreo-retinal disorders constitute a significant portion of treatable ocular diseases. These pathologies often require vitreo-retinal surgery and, as a consequence, the use of vitreous substitutes. Nowadays, the vitreous substitutes that are used in clinical practice are mainly divided into gases (air, SF , C F , C F ) and liquids (perfluorocarbon liquids, silicone oils, and heavy silicone oils). There are specific advantages and drawbacks to each of these, which determine their clinical indications. However, developing the ideal biomaterial for vitreous substitution continues to be one of the most important challenges in ophthalmology, and a multidisciplinary approach is required. In this sense, recent research has focused on the development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and injectable hydrogels (natural, synthetic, and smart), which also act as medium and long-term internal tamponade agents. This comprehensive review aims to cover the main characteristics and indications for use of the extensive range of vitreous substitutes that are currently used in clinical practice, before going on to describe the hydrogels that have been developed recently and which have emerged as promising biomaterials for vitreous substitution.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mabi.202100066 | DOI Listing |
Transl Vis Sci Technol
August 2025
School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the field of fluidic effect (FOE) at the vitrectomy port in a range of artificial vitreous solutions (AVS) with varying rheological characteristics to add insight into the effects surgeons observe during vitrectomy and how they change with a variety of console settings.
Methods: Laboratory-based investigation using in vitro testing was carried out at Newcastle University, United Kingdom. Testing was conducted using an Eva Nexus Vitrectomy system (D.
Int J Biol Macromol
September 2025
Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, 1, Islamabad Highway, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan. Electronic address:
Retinal detachment is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, with current treatments using silicone oil or expanded gases to facilitate reattachment. Polymeric hydrogels are a promising alternative due to their optical clarity, rheological properties, and biodegradability. In this study, we synthesized polymeric hydrogels by crosslinking oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate with calcium chloride and introduced cucumber extract, a plant-based antioxidant rich in flavonoids and phenolics, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRetina
July 2025
Department of Ophthalmology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of using DisCoVisc as an alternative to perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) in stabilizing the detached retina during rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery.
Methods: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with RRD underwent the DisCoVisc technique for stabilizing the detached retina. Following intraoperative air-fluid exchange and the aspiration of subretinal fluid, DisCoVisc was applied to seal retinal breaks, thereby stabilizing the detached retina.
BMC Chem
July 2025
Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, Indonesia.
Polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) has been considered to be developed as an alternative material of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for vitreous humour substitution. This polymer production begins with hydrolysis of dichloromethylsilane (DCMS), as raw material, which continues through condensation polymerization. Previous research reported the synthesis of PMHS using an acid solvent with different temperature variations and indicated that low-viscosity PMHS can be produced through condensation at 15-20 °C.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFProg Retin Eye Res
September 2025
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore, 138 673, Singapore.
During vitreoretinal surgery, the vitreous body is removed and requires a suitable replacement to ensure ocular homeostasis, as the native vitreous does not regenerate. An ideal vitreous substitute should mimic the optical, mechanical, and biochemical properties of the natural vitreous while maintaining long-term biocompatibility. Currently, clinically used substitutes such as gases and silicone oils facilitate retinal reattachment but deviate significantly from the native vitreous, leading to complications such as cataract formation, increased intraocular pressure, and emulsification.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF