Understanding the Use of Viscoelastic in Eye Surgery
Ophthalmic viscoelastic devices are an indispensable part of modern eye surgery, providing protection, space maintenance, and surgical precision. These specialized polymer solutions-primarily composed of sodium hyaluronate and other biopolymers-are essential for safe and efficient procedures such as cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation, and corneal transplantation.
What Are Ophthalmic Viscoelastic Devices?
OVDs are clear, gel-like solutions that combine viscosity and elasticity to maintain the anterior chamber's depth, protect delicate ocular tissues, and facilitate the manipulation of intraocular structures during surgery. They help minimize mechanical trauma caused by surgical instruments and ultrasonic energy during phacoemulsification.
Viscoelastic materials are typically classified into two categories based on their rheological properties:
- Cohesive OVDs: High viscosity, excellent space maintenance, and easy removal.
- Dispersive OVDs: Lower viscosity, better coating ability, and greater endothelial protection.
Many surgeons use a soft-shell technique, combining both types to balance chamber stability with corneal protection.
Composition and Mechanism of Action
The main component of most OVDs is sodium hyaluronate-a natural, linear polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. In Singclean's ophthalmic viscoelastic device, sodium hyaluronate (1.5%, 15 mg/mL) is dissolved in a physiologically balanced sodium phosphate buffer with an osmotic pressure of 270–350 mOsm/kg.
This formulation provides:
- High viscoelasticity to maintain anterior chamber depth
- Lubrication that minimizes friction and tissue damage
- Endothelial protection against mechanical and ultrasonic stress
- Facilitation of IOL implantation and reduction of postoperative complications
Applications in Eye Surgery
Singclean OVD is suitable for various ophthalmic procedures, including:
- Cataract Surgery & IOL Implantation: Maintains anterior chamber depth, protects the corneal endothelium, and aids in smooth IOL insertion.
- Corneal Transplantation: Facilitates donor graft placement and prevents anterior chamber collapse.
- Glaucoma Filtration Surgery: Preserves chamber volume during trabeculectomy and minimizes tissue trauma.
- Secondary Lens Implantation: Stabilizes the anterior chamber during IOL removal and replacement.
Over 90% of Singclean OVD usage is in cataract surgery-one of the most common ophthalmic procedures globally.
Safety and Biocompatibility
Singclean OVD is derived from non-animal bacterial fermentation to ensure purity and avoid immunogenic reactions. The product is sterilized using high-pressure moist heat and produced in a 10,000-level cleanroom with 100-level localized environments, ensuring product sterility and consistency.
Its high molecular weight (1,000,000–2,600,000 Da) provides stable viscosity and mechanical integrity, allowing repeated surgical instrument movement without structural breakdown. Clinical evaluations confirm excellent safety, easy clearance, and minimal intraocular pressure fluctuations postoperatively.
Clinical and Global Market Perspective
Clinical surveys conducted between 2015 and 2016 revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback from ophthalmic surgeons, with an average satisfaction score of 8.55 out of 10. Singclean OVD has shown excellent surgical performance and is well-received across markets in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Globally, the ophthalmic viscoelastic devices market continues to expand due to rising cataract and glaucoma prevalence and the increasing number of eye surgeries among aging populations. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% through 2032, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality, biocompatible OVDs.
About Singclean Medical
Hangzhou Singclean Medical Products Co., Ltd. is a CE-certified medical manufacturer specializing in absorbable biomaterials and sterile medical products. Founded in 2002, Singclean integrates R&D, manufacturing, and global distribution of sodium hyaluronate-based products, including OVDs, dermal fillers, and anti-adhesion gels.
With advanced automated production lines and strict quality management systems, Singclean ensures safety, purity, and performance in every ophthalmic product. The company continues to collaborate with ophthalmologists worldwide to deliver reliable surgical solutions that enhance patient outcomes.