Viscogel

Viscogel is indicated for use as an ophthalmic surgical aid during surgical procedures involving the anterior chamber of the eye, including extraction of cataract and insertion of intraocular lenses.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose maintains a deep anterior chamber during anterior segment surgery and thereby allows for more efficient manipulation with less trauma to the corneal endothelium and other ocular tissues. The viscoelasticity of Optagel helps the vitreous face to be pushed back, thus preventing formation of a postoperative flat chamber.

Cataract surgery and IOL implantation: For cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose ophthalmic solution should be carefully injected into the anterior chamber prior to capsulotomy using standard aseptic techniques. Optagel may be injected into the chamber prior to or following removal of the crystalline lens. Instillation of Optagel prior to lens removal will provide protection to the corneal endothelium from possible damage due to surgical instrumentation during cataract surgery. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may also be used to coat an intraocular lens prior to implantation as well as the tips of surgical instruments. Additional Optagel may be injected during anterior segment surgery to fully maintain the chamber or replace any volume lost during the surgical procedure. At the end of the surgical procedure it is recommended that Optagel be removed from the eye as completely as possible by irrigation and/or aspiration.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any component of this product.

Viscogel is extremely well tolerated after injection into the human eye. A transient rise in intraocular pressure post-operatively may occur. Rarely, post-operative inflammatory reactions (iritis, hypopyon) as well as incidence of corneal edema and corneal decompensation may occur.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans. It has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.

Precautions are limited to those normally associated with the ophthalmic surgical procedure being performed. There may be transient increased intraocular pressure following surgery because of pre-existing glaucoma or due to the surgery itself. For these reasons, the following precautions should be considered:

Viscogel should be removed from the anterior chamber at the end of surgery.

If the post-operative intraocular pressure increases above expected values, appropriate therapy should be administered.

Store in a cool and dry place,away from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.