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