Bausch + Lomb has launched the StableVisc cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) and the TotalVisc Viscoelastic System in the United States.
Let’s start with the StableVisc OVD.
As a cohesive OVD, the StableVisc is a sterile solution of highly purified, medium molecular weight 1.0% sodium hyaluronate and sorbitol that is injected via a syringe during cataract surgery.
The device is best optimized and effective when injected prior to phacoemulsification cataract procedures with the insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL) and other ocular surgeries.
What does it do?
The OVD maintains the anterior chamber space, re-inflates the capsular bag for IOL insertion, and can protect against corneal endothelial cell loss.
Now talk about this TotalVisc system.
The TotalVisc Viscoelastic System includes both StableVisc and ClearVisc, a dispersive OVD that was FDA approved in 2021.
Similar to StableVisc, ClearVisc also contains sodium hyaluronate and sorbitol, and is designed to offer a dual-action mechanical and chemical protection.
What makes it unique?
The use of sorbitol, mainly. Sorbitol is a unique chemical agent that creates a strong physical barrier and protects from free radicals (compared to other OVDs).
These free radicals—which form due to chemical reactions during cataract surgery—can cause corneal damage and, potentially, endothelial cell decompensation (leading to post op complications such as corneal haze).
How is it packaged?
The TotalVisc is packaged with an individually-wrapped syringe of the StableVisc OVD as well as a wrapped syringe of the ClearVisc.
Per Bausch, the system is the only such dual pack available in the U.S. that features both a dispersive and cohesive OVD formulated with sorbitol.
Anything else to know?
StableVisc contains a fill volume of 1 mL, reducing the need for a surgeon to open a second pack during a surgical procedure. The TotalVisc also has a 1 mL fill volume of device for both ClearVisc and StableVisc.