Effect of humidity on posterior lens opacification during fluid-air exchange

Joseph B. Harlan, Eric T. Lee, Patrick S. Jensen, Eugene De Juan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To study the relationship of humidity and the rate of lens opacity formation during fluid-air exchange using an animal model. Methods: Vitrectomy and fluid-air exchange was carried out using 16 eyes of 8 pigmented rabbits. One eye of each rabbit was exposed to dry air and the fellow eye received humidified air using an intraocular air humidifier. In each case, the percent humidity of the intraocular air was measured using an in-line hygrometer. Elapsed time from initial air entry to lens feathering was recorded for each eye, with the surgeon-observer unaware of the percent humidity of the air infusion. Results: In each rabbit, use of humidified air resulted in a delay in lens feathering (P<.02), with all overall increase in time to feathering of 80% for humidified air vs room air. Conclusions: Use of a humidifier during fluid-air exchange prolongs intraoperative lens clarity in the rabbit model, suggesting that humidified air should prolong lens clarity during phakic fluid-air exchange in patients. Clinical Relevance: Use of humidified air during vitrectomy and fluid-air exchange may retard the intraoperative loss of lens clarity, promoting better visualization of the posterior segment and enhancing surgical performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)802-804
Number of pages3
JournalArchives of ophthalmology
Volume117
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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