Dispersive OVD gains FDA approval

Abbott Park, IL-The FDA has approved a dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) (Healon EndoCoat OVD, Abbott Medical Optics) for use as a surgical aid in cataract extraction and IOL implantation.

The OVD is injected into a patient’s eye to protect and coat the eye during surgery. It is designed to reduce trauma to the inside layer of the cornea and other surrounding tissues.

“A dispersive OVD is highly desirable at the beginning of the cataract removal process to help protect the eye from nuclear particles and ultrasonic energy,” said Roger F. Steinert, MD, the Irving H. Leopold Professor and Chair, and director of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, at the University of California, Irvine. “[This new dispersive viscosurgical device] is ideal for this protective barrier. It has outstanding clarity and does not require refrigeration, which reduces surgicenter storage costs and improves ease of use compared with a cold syringe.”

Dispersive OVDs are expected to account for approximately 50% of the total OVD market in 2012, according to the ophthalmic research firm Market Scope.

The product has begun to be shipped in the United States.

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