Condensation on intraocular lenses during vitrectomy: eff ect of perfluorocarbon liquids

Purpose: To evaluate whether perfluorocarbon (PFO) liquids can exacerbate condensation on intraocular lenses (IOL). Methods: Two separate experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, a two-segment chamber was constructed out of glass and acrylic panels to serve as an in-vitro eye model. The chamber was placed on a non-activated cooling plate with two IOLs of the same material, one in each segment. 2.0 ml of PFO and/or water for the control were placed in the respective receptacle. The cooling plate was then activated to the desired temperatures. Condensation on the lenses was visually assessed via high-definition ultra-zoom camera by trained observers for three temperatures and three IOL materials. In the second experiment, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy wasemployed to determine the composition of the droplets forming after condensation. Results: The presence of PFO liquid in a closed chamber exacerbates the intensity and likelihood of condensation on all intraocular material types. Condensation of PFO on surfaces in the presence of water was confirmed with FTIR spectroscopy by the isolation of specific absorption bands. Furthermore, material type also affects the characteristics of condensation, with silicone lenses inducing the fastest rate and intensity of condensation. Conclusions: Our study shows that the presence of perfluoro-n-octane is a significant factor in the formation of condensation on the posterior surface of IOLs when performing vitrectomy in a pseudophakic patient with posterior capsulotomy.