Fluid viscosity but not surface tension, determines the tamponade effect of intravitreal fluids in a novel in vitro eye model of retinal detachment.

Abstract

PURPOSE\nTo determine the effect of varying surface tension and viscosity of fluids used as tamponade in an in vitro eye model of retinal detachment.\n\n\nMETHODS\nWe used an in vitro eye model simulating retinal detachment. Fluids with varying surface tension and identical viscosity, and fluids with varying viscosities and identical surface tension were used as tamponade agents to prevent retinal detachment in the model, to determine which of these properties affects each fluid s effectiveness as a retinal tamponade.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe membrane (simulating retinal detachment) changes over time in a vitro eye model were not affected by varying surface tension given constant fluid viscosity. However, membrane changes were proportional to the viscosity of the fluid, given constant surface tension.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe tamponade effect of an intravitreal fluid against retinal detachment may not be related as previously assumed, solely to surface tension, but rather is proportionally related to its viscosity.