Temperature Alteration in Aqueous Humor by Viscoelastic Materials During Phacoemulsification
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To evaluate temperature alteration in the aqueous humor when using several viscoelastics during phacoemulsification.
Methods
During phacoemulsification simulated in the porcine eyes, the aqueous humor temperature was measured by a temperature probe set in the anterior chamber which was filled with 4 viscoelastics: Healon, Healon V (AMO), Viscoat, DisCoVisc (Alcon). Five porcine eyes were used in each group. Baush & Lomb Stellaris device was used and parameters of phacoemulsification were set as follows: ultrasound power set to 100%, a vacuum pressure of 50 mmHg, an aspiration flow rate of 18 mL/minute, and a bottle height of50 cm. Temperature changes were measured and recorded for 1 minute during the ultrasound oscillation.
Results
Ultrasound oscillation induced a rapid rise in the aqueous humor temperature which depended on the retention capacity of each viscoelastics in the anteriot chamber. Healon V led to a significantly higher temperature compared to the others (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Viscoelastics can hinder an adequate water circulation in the anterior chamber and induced temperature rise. Surgeons should pay attention to the temperature rise in the aqueous humor by viscoelastics.