Review Article
Vitreous Substitutes: The Present and the Future
Table 3
Characteristics of the ideal vitreous substitute.
| The ideal vitreous substitute | |
| Mimic the native vitreous | | Be easily manipulable during surgery | | Have similar viscoelastic proprieties | | Be clear and transparent | | Have refractive index and density similar to native vitreous | | Be biologically and chemically inert | | Be hydrophilic and insoluble in water | | Be able to maintain the IOP within a physiologic range and support the intraocular tissues in proper position | | Allow movement of ions and electrolytes and maintain the concentration of certain substances (oxygen, lactic acid, and ascorbic acid) | | Be clear | | Not induce toxic reactions | | Be biocompatible | | Be easily available, stable, and injectable through a small syringe | | Be able to maintain its light transparency post-op without undergoing opacification | |
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