Question

What agents are often injected into the anterior chamber during cataract extraction (phacoemulsification) to keep the chamber expanded, to prevent injury to surrounding tissue, and to protect the cornea?

Answer 1

During cataract extraction, ophthalmic viscosurgical devices like hyaluronic acid are used to maintain the anterior chamber's shape, protect corneal cells, and aid tissue manipulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The agents often injected into the anterior chamber during cataract extraction (phacoemulsification) to keep the chamber expanded, to prevent injury to surrounding tissue, and to protect the cornea are known as ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs). These include substances such as hyaluronic acid, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and chondroitin sulfate. OVDs are crucial during surgery as they help maintain the shape of the anterior chamber, protect the endothelial cells of the cornea, and facilitate the manipulation of intraocular tissues.