Quantitative Assessment of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices on Visibility, Spreadability, and Durability as Corneal Wetting Agents for the Wet Shell Technique

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) as corneal wetting agents for the wet shell technique, a common procedure in Japan to maintain the wettability of corneal surfaces. Methods: We surveyed Japanese ophthalmologists to determine the current state of the wet shell technique. After developing three ex vivo testing methods, we evaluated the corneal wetting properties of OVDs including 3% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution and OVD products, Opegan, Opelead, Viscoat, Shellgan, Discovisc, and Opegan-Hi. Results: Overall, 214 ophthalmologists (70%) had performed the wet shell technique, and Digital Features To view digital features for this article go to

Advances in Understanding the Mechanism of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device Retention in the Anterior Chamber or on the Corneal Surface during Ocular Surgery

“…This procedure is commonly termed the "Wet Shell Technique" in Japan. 7,8) Dispersive OVDs are the preferred corneal wetting agents because of their higher adhesiveness and retention durability on the corneal surface than cohesive OVDs. [8][9][10] Ophthalmic researchers have concluded that retention durability is one of the important properties of OVDs during ocular surgery not only in the intraocular space but also on the ocular surface.…”