New gel-based eye fluid aids post-operative healing

Orlando, Fla. — In an effort to avoid serious side effects suffered after surgery to repair retinal detachment, vision scientists have developed a new product to help stabilize the eye while it heals. The research is being presented at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Orlando, Fla.

In a recent study, Healaflow® a gel based on one of the most common compounds found in the liquid that fills the eye, was tested in rabbit eyes. After surgery to repair retinal detachment in the rabbits, Healaflow® did not appear to inflict any additional damage to the rabbits' retina structure or function, setting it apart from other clinically available alternatives.

Retinal detachment is a vision-threatening condition where the light-sensing part of the eye, the retina, pulls away from the back wall of the eye, leading to blindness. About 1 in 300 people are expected to be affected by the condition in their lifetime.

Abstract Title: A cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel (Healaflow ®) as a potential vitreous substitute

Presentation Start/End Time: Monday, May 5, 3:45 – 5:30pm
Location: Exhibit/Poster Hall SA
Session Number: 276

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include some 11,500 eye and vision researchers from over 70 countries. ARVO encourages and assists research, training, publication and knowledge-sharing in vision and ophthalmology.

All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.