Fluid dynamics imaging study with digital fluoroscopy system : phacoemulsification in vitrectomized swine eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the characteristics of intraocular fluid dynamics during phacoemulsification in swine eyes with prior vitrectomy.

Design: Experimental study, laboratory investigation

Methods: We prepared three groups of enucleated swine eyes (non-vitrectomized, core vitrectomized, and totally vitrectomized) and water-soluble, radio-opaque contrast medium. Phacoemulsification was performed using balanced saline solution mixed with radio-opaque contrast medium at 1:1 ratio. We imaged the swine eyes using a digital fluoroscopy system during phacoemulsification and compared the characteristics of the intraocular fluid dynamics between the three groups.

Results: There was a difference in the anterior chamber depth (ACD) among the three groups after irrigation (non-vitrectomized: 2.25 � 0.06 mm, core vitrectomized: 2.33 � 0.06 mm, and totally vitrectomized eyes: 3.17 � 0.11 mm), and there was a difference in the height of the fluid flowing from the anterior chamber to the posterior cavity that was identified by lifting up the iris to correct the infusion deviation syndrome (non�vitrectomized: 0.00 � 0.00 mm, core vitrectomized: 0.41 � 0.04 mm, and totally vitrectomized eyes: 2.19 � 0.35 mm). After lifting the iris, the ACD normalized in each group (non-vitrectomized: 2.22 � 0.05 mm, core vitrectomized: 2.28 � 0.07 mm, and totally vitrectomized eyes: 2.32 � 0.03 mm).

Conclusions: This is the first study to use a digital fluoroscopy system to study intraocular fluid dynamics. Recognizing the differences in the characteristics of the vitrectomized eye as compared with those of the non-vitrectomized eyes may reduce the frequency of intraoperative complications.