-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.

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.